Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 6/14

Posted on 6/14/2021 by Lauren Scott

Every day, facilities across the US receive Notices of Violation from US EPA for alleged noncompliance with a wide variety of programs like the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts; chemical management and reporting regulations (TSCA, EPCRA, CERCLA, etc.); hazardous waste management and disposal standards (RCRA); and much more.

Below are examples of recent EPA enforcement actions that provide insight into how and why EPA issues civil penalties to facilities for environmental noncompliance. Names of companies and individuals cited by EPA are withheld to protect their privacy.
 

WHO: A bulk fuel storage facility
WHERE: Sand Island, HI
WHAT: SPCC violations
HOW MUCH: $150,000

A company that owns a fuel storage facility and another company that manages the facility reached an agreement with EPA related to an alleged accidental release that was discovered in January 2015. At that time, a former facility operator identified 42,000 gallons of jet fuel that had been released through the bottom of its storage tank. About 1,944 gallons were later recovered outside the facility.

As part of the settlement, the companies agreed to install a double bottom tank floor on all remaining single bottom tanks, install an impervious liner or implement an improved sub-surface slurry wall, conduct more frequent physical tank inspections, and implement additional leak detection checks.
 

WHO: A metal fastener fabricator
WHERE: Danbury, CT
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $29,658

EPA recently announced a settlement with a Connecticut plant after the facility allegedly discharged 1,800 gallons of diluted coolant from an aboveground storage tank, 630 gallons of which reached the Sympaug Brook in the Danbury area. The mixture is typically used to keep cutting machines from overheating. EPA said the mixture also contained residual oil, copper, and lead from the machines.

According to a report from the State of Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP), the oil and metals in the coolant caused a fish kill from the spill entry location at the brook to its entry on Still River. After the spill was discovered, the company quickly completed cleanup at the brook and was cooperative with EPA during the enforcement investigation and case settlement negotiations.
 

WHO: A maritime logistics company
WHERE: Somerset, MA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $27,000

Between February and October 2020, a New England metal refinery allegedly discharged scrap metal into Mt. Hope Bay without a permit. Previously, the company was using mechanical claws to load scrap metal onto ships. This process may have contributed to the scrap metal discharges according to EPA.

The company has since modified its practices to load scrap metal onto a dumpster-like carrier instead, which is then hoisted directly into the ship's cargo bay for unloading.
 

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. If you’re new to the field or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

Check out the latest EPA compliance training options here:
 
Complete Environmental Regulations
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 

Tags: Clean Water Act, enforcement, environmental, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines, penalties, SPCC

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.