Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 4/20

Posted on 4/20/2020 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 poultry processing company
WHERE: Five facilities in AL and MS
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $106,250 plus $398,438 in emergency response equipment donations

A company operating five poultry processing facilities in the Southeast has been fined for alleged improper use of anhydrous ammonia during the company’s refrigeration processes. EPA alleges the facilities, among other infractions, failed to identify hazards associated with its ammonia refrigeration systems and failed to design and maintain a safe facility by not adequately training employees and by not conducting inspections and testing operating equipment.

Under the terms of the agreement, the poultry company took steps to return the five facilities to compliance and will donate emergency response equipment to local fire departments.
 

WHO: A bulk oil terminal operator
WHERE: Wenatchee, WA
WHAT: Clean Water Act & SPCC Plan violations
HOW MUCH: $289,200

Federal officials reached an agreement with an Idaho-based oil company related to an oil spill at the company’s oil terminal. In 2017, an estimated 3,800 gallons of R99 Biodiesel were allegedly released into the subsurface and groundwater surrounding the plant with some biodiesel entering the nearby Columbia River.

During the subsequent investigations, EPA found violations in SPCC Plan requirements, including failure to conduct pipeline integrity and leak testing during installation, modification, construction, relocation, or replacement. The company has since cooperated with State and Federal environmental officials and closed the facility.
 
Lion's Developing an SPCC Plan online course helps you determine which facilities need an SPCC plan, how to design and implement one, and what's required to maintain compliance. Learn more.   

WHO: A bulk fuel storage facility
WHERE: John Day, OR
WHAT: SPCC Plan violations
HOW MUCH: $27,000

An oil facility in the Pacific Northwest has settled with EPA over alleged SPCC violations, including uncontrolled and unmonitored site drainage; lack of adequate secondary containment for piping, transfer areas, bulk storage and other containers; and an inadequate tank integrity program.

The bulk fuel storage facility is located within 400 feet of Canyon Creek and one mile from the John Day River, a tributary of the Columbia River. By signing the Consent Agreement, the oil company has agreed to pay a $27,000 penalty.
 

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:
 
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 

Tags: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, environmental enforcement, environmental news, EPA Enforcement Roundup, epa fines, EPA News, epa penalties, epa., poultry news, SPCC Plan

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

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

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This guide will help you identify 25 of the most -cited errors in RCRA training, recordkeeping, hazardous waste ID, container management, universal waste, and laboratories.

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.