Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 4/5

Posted on 4/5/2021 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 paper mill
WHERE: Luke, MD
WHAT: RCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $650,000

According to the Maryland Attorney General, a Luke-based paper mill allegedly discharged toxic pulping liquor into the North Branch of the Potomac River on multiple occasions starting on or around April 6, 2019. Pulping liquor is a high pH, caustic, and corrosive material that can be harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

In addition to paying a civil penalty, the mill will investigate the source of the seepages and the extent of the contamination. The company must also permanently stop the discharge and remediate the contaminated site.
 

WHO: A dental equipment distributor
WHERE: Chicago, IL
WHAT: FIFRA violations
HOW MUCH: $464,737.50

EPA alleges that a company that primarily distributes dental hygiene equipment allegedly offered for sale pesticide products in a kit that was not registered with the Agency. As a result, the composition and labeling of the products had not been reviewed for efficacy and safety. In addition, the company allegedly made unapproved claims on a different EPA-registered pesticide product.

The distributor has since agreed to stop the sale and distribution of the products and pay a civil penalty to achieve compliance.
 

WHO: A chemical storage facility
WHERE: Othello, WA
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $135,000

Following inspections in 2013 and 2017, EPA alleges a Washington chemical company failed to properly design its anhydrous ammonia storage and distribution system, adequately maintain inspection and testing records on certain equipment, and develop and implement written operating procedures for certain aspects of its operations. Exposure to high concentrations of anhydrous ammonia—commonly used in industrial refrigeration, agricultural, and cold storage facilities—can lead to serious lung damage and even death.

In addition to paying a $135,000 civil penalty, the company will be required to pay penalties if it violates the risk management program requirements at its ammonia storage and distribution facility and to provide compliance records and reports to EPA on a semi-annual basis.
 

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 Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines, hazardous, management, penalties, RCRA, waste

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

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

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

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

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

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.

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.