Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 3/28

Posted on 3/28/2022 by Lauren Scott

Industrial facilities in the United States are subject to complex, overlapping environmental regulations concerning air emissions, discharges to water, hazardous waste management and disposal, oil spills, chemical management, and more. Failure to comply with all applicable US EPA requirements can result in future liability and civil penalties as high as $100,000+ per day, per violation (and growing every year).

The EPA enforcement actions highlighted below provide insight into how and why the Agency assesses civil penalties for environmental noncompliance. All violations mentioned are alleged unless we indicate otherwise.

We withhold the names of organizations and individuals subject to enforcement to protect their privacy.
 

WHO: At least 70 affiliated waste storage facilities
WHERE: North Slope Borough, AK
WHAT: RCRA and Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $6.5 million

EPA’s multi-year environmental investigation revealed many alleged hazardous waste management and Oil Pollution Prevention violations at numerous Borough-owned facilities in Utqiagvik, Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, Wainwright, Deadhorse, and Prudhoe Bay. The violations contributed to at least two oil spills near the Kasegaluk Lagoon, Kaktovik Lagoon, and Pipsuk Bight.

To resolve the alleged violations, the Borough agreed to close all unpermitted hazardous waste storage facilities, develop a comprehensive waste management plan, build or retrofit a permitted hazardous waste storage facility, and revise its CWA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan among other measures.
 

WHO: A chemical distributor
WHERE: Stow, OH
WHAT: TSCA violations
HOW MUCH: $357,000

Between 2012 and 2015, an Ohio chemical distributor allegedly failed to submit data reports for 18 chemical substances as required by TSCA. The company has agreed to pay a civil penalty within 18 months in a series of installments as part of EPA’s consent agreement and final order.

These alleged violations presented a potential harm to EPA’s ability to maintain accurate and updated information regarding commercially produced chemicals. Companies are required to give EPA information on the chemicals they manufacture or import into the United States. EPA uses the data to help assess the potential human health and environmental effects of these chemicals and makes the non-confidential business information available to the public.
 

WHO: A petroleum company
WHERE: Medford, NY
WHAT: RCRA UST violations
HOW MUCH: $250,000

During an unannounced inspection in 2012, EPA identified violations of gasoline storage and handling regulations, prompting a larger investigation into the petroleum company. EPA found that alleged underground storage tank violations contributed to leaks at 13 gas stations in disadvantaged communities across New York and New Jersey.

The company will now be subject to frequent and stringent inspections at nearly 30 of its facilities, according to the settlement. The company will also be required to implement additional leak detection safety measures across all of its facilities.
 

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, EPA Enforcement Roundup, RCRA, roundup, TSCA, underground storage tank

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

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

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.