Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 8/16

Posted on 8/16/2021 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 pipeline management company
WHERE: Williston, ND
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $35 million

Over the span of five months between 2014 and 2015, a North Dakota pipeline company allegedly discharged 29 million gallons of wastewater from hydraulic fracking. The discharge contaminated land, groundwater, and about 30 miles of Missouri River tributaries and is believed to be the largest inland spill in US history.

Under parallel settlements resolving the criminal and civil cases, the company has agreed to pay a total of $35 million in criminal fines and civil penalties, $15 million of which will go towards Federal criminal fines for allegedly causing the continuous spill, failing to stop it, and failing to make an immediate report as required.
 

WHO: Two oil and gas production facilities
WHERE: Weld County, CO
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $1 million

EPA announced a $1 million agreement to resolve alleged violations at two oil and gas facilities. According to EPA, there was an unauthorized discharge of oil from one facility into the Poudre River in 2014. EPA also alleges the company failed to comply with oil spill prevention and response regulations.

The settlement requires installation of steel oil-spill containment berms and remote monitoring sensors, as well as tank anchoring at all of the company’s active tank batteries in Colorado floodplains. The company also agreed to implement and provide periodic reports on its emergency response training, drills, and exercise program.
 

WHO: An animal feed manufacturer
WHERE: Swanton, VT
WHAT: EPCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $40,294

A Minnesota animal feed producer allegedly failed to file Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports for zinc and manganese compounds used at its Vermont facility. Under EPCRA regulations, companies that use certain listed chemicals must report their chemical usage each year to EPA. This information serves as the basis for the Toxic Release Inventory.

TRI reporting information is available to the public and helps inform surrounding communities about a facility's toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment.
 

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, EPCRA, fines, penalties, TRI

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

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

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

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

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

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

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.