EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (AP) _ The operator of a hazardous-waste incinerator in eastern Ohio has agreed to pay $34,000 for a malfunction that released hundreds of pounds of ash into the surrounding area two years ago.  

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced its settlement with Heritage Thermal Services this week over the July 2013 malfunction at the incinerator in East Liverpool. Approximately 761 pounds of ash were discharged from the facility, landing in nearby neighborhoods. 

The agreement also calls for Heritage to make changes to prevent future problems at the facility. 

The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/1dkWCKw ) Heritage says it has invested in enhanced safety and compliance procedures. 

The U.S. EPA is currently conducting a separate investigation of the incinerator after it reportedly released dangerous toxins into the air between November 2010 and December 2014.