Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 8/15

Posted on 8/15/2022 by Roger Marks

US businesses 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: A hotel chain
WHERE: 8 California locations
WHAT: RCRA hazardous waste violations
HOW MUCH: $535,000

For allegedly failing to properly manage and dispose of batteries, electronic devices, ignitable liquids, aerosols, cleaning agents, and other hazardous wastes, a hotel chain will pay a total of $400,000 in civil penalties and spend $100,000 to fund environmental projects “furthering environmental enforcement in California.”

The hotel chain has already improved its policies and its hazardous waste training program to ensure proper handling and disposal of regulated waste, according to a company statement.

WHO: An oil processing facility
WHERE: Indianapolis, IN
WHAT: Clean Air Act emissions violations
HOW MUCH: $155,000 and facility upgrades

For allegedly violating the terms of its air permit by emitting more than 25 tons of hazardous air pollutants per year, an oil processing facility will pay a civil penalty of $155,000 and make facility upgrades to better control air pollution in the future. The company will also comply with additional testing, monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements.

In addition to exceeding emissions limits, the facility allegedly failed to apply for a permit as a major source of air pollution, failed to keep required records, and did not properly operate equipment designed to limit air pollution.

Under the Clean Air Act, a “major source” of air pollution is a facility that emits more than 10 tons per year of any single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs. Covered major sources are subject to stringent requirements for controlling air pollution.

WHO: A PCB waste recycler
WHERE: Phoenix, AZ
WHAT: TSCA marking and manifesting violations
HOW MUCH: $68,290

A facility that accepts, stores, and recycles wastes containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), such as light bulbs and lighting ballasts, will pay a civil penalty for alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The facility allegedly failed to properly mark and date PCBs as required by 40 CFR Part 761. EPA also alleges violations of the notification and manifesting requirements for PCBs. EPA’s press release also indicates that the facility accepted unauthorized liquid waste, stored excess PCB waste, and failed to properly decontaminate work areas.

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 8/15


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, CERCLA, 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: environmental compliance, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, hazardous waste management, PCBs

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

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

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

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

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

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

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

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Hazardous materials shipment rejections bear a big cost. Use this guide to end operational and logistical disruptions that severely impact your bottom line.

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.