Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 4/30

Posted on 4/29/2019 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 multinational manufacturing company
WHERE: Riegelwood, NC
WHAT: Superfund hazardous waste cleanup
HOW MUCH: $16.2 million

To reimburse the US EPA for costs of Superfund cleanup, a multinational manufacturing company has entered into a proposed settlement to pay for initial cleanup costs of contaminated soils and sediments at a North Carolina superfund site.

According to Biz Journals, these initial costs are estimated at about $16.2 million, however the company also agreed to reimburse the US government for all future costs associated with the cleanup. Situated adjacent to the Cape Fear River, the site hosted a chemical manufacturing facility from 1963 until 2000.   

Strengthen your RCRA expertise and learn what you need to know to keep hazardous waste in compliance from cradle to grave. The RCRA Hazardous Waste Management Workshop comes to St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Houston, Dallas, Cincinnati, and Detroit in May. 

Can't join us live? Check out the 
RCRA online course or RCRA Refresher online course

WHO: A tuna processing facility
WHERE: American Samoa
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $84,500

A company that cans and distributes tuna and fish byproducts will pay a civil penalty after allegedly violating the terms of an earlier settlement by conducting unauthorized discharges of wastewater into a nearby harbor.

After numerous unauthorized discharges, including bypassing a wastewater treatment center, the facility faces possible additional fines. The company paid $6.5 million to resolve water compliance violations under the original settlement. In addition to the civil penalty, the facility will provide local emergency responders with $88,000 worth of equipment for responding to chemical releases.

WHO: A diesel engine manufacturer
WHERE: Oahu, HI
WHAT: Safe Drinking Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $129,000

A diesel engine manufacturer will pay a fine for operating a large capacity cesspool (LCC), which were banned under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act in 2005.

The company will be required to shut down the LCC and switch all wastewater operations to the individual wastewater treatment system previously installed at the property.

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.

environmental managersCheck out the latest EPA compliance training options here:
 
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
New! Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Just Launched! Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 
The 2019 nationwide schedule for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop is now available. Collaborate with other managers to identify the requirements that apply to your facility, ask the right questions, and make the right decisions about EPA compliance.
 

Tags: Clean Water Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines and penalties, hazardous waste management, Superfund

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

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

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

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.