Permits also enable stuff like a regular independent inspection regime which might be a good idea for especially dangerous stuff.
It's not good enough (in my opinion) that they might be doing it right for now - they have do do what is necessary so that it can continue to be done right until the stuff is safe.
If they go out of business or sell the land or assets, the next people need to know what is where and how to handle it and have all the records and reports and so on. So a proper public record, rather than private would better.
Don't get me wrong, a spill is worse than a paperwok infringement, but
this fine seems trivial in relation to (what I think should be) the level of responsibility for handling and toxic materials - even just getting all the paperwork right.
Imagine if they did go out of business, and someone had to re-inspect the whole site to determine the risks with no reports to start from - could that be done for $14k?
slay