EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 8/19

The EPA Enforcement Roundup gives you insight into how and why US EPA and State partners assess penalties for environmental noncompliance.

All violations or claims discussed below are alleged only unless we say otherwise, and we withhold the names of organizations and individuals to protect their privacy.

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A chemical manufacturer in Albany, Oregon, faces a $500,000 penalty for alleged hazardous waste management violations.

According to US EPA, the chemical manufacturer allegedly failed to determine whether waste was a listed hazardous waste and/or a characteristic hazardous waste at the point of generation. Without a permit, the company also stored and treated hazardous waste in certain containers and tanks.

Generally, sites need a permit to store and/or treat hazardous waste. Large quantity generators are allowed to temporarily accumulate hazardous waste for 90 days or less onsite without a permit only if the generator complies with all applicable requirements found in 40 CFR 262. Per US EPA, this site did not follow those requirements that would exempt it from permitting requirements.

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A Rhode Island metal plating and polishing company settled to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations.

US EPA announced an agreement with a Rhode Island-based metal plating and polishing company, that resolves alleged Clean Air Act compliance issues at the company's metal-working facilities in Providence and Johnston, Rhode Island.

The company was found to be out of compliance with regulations that control the release of hazardous air emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. Under the agreement with EPA, the company will pay a penalty of $157,041.

At the Providence facility, the company allegedly failed to certify compliance with federal emissions regulations and to follow Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management standards limiting VOC emissions. At the Johnston facility, the company also allegedly failed to certify compliance, did not use proper emission controls, and did not submit required notifications to EPA.

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A Cleveland company settled with US EPA to resolve alleged Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act violations.

US EPA announced a settlement with a company in Cleveland, Ohio, for allegedly selling unregistered pesticide products and a product with incorrect pesticidal claims. The company will pay $326,200 in penalties and remove all alleged false claims in marketing materials.

The company allegedly distributed or sold three unregistered pesticides in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The products were sold online. The company also allegedly sold a registered pesticide claiming to be “hospital-grade,” which was not part of the product’s registration.

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Complete Environmental Regulations Training

Want a clearer idea of how major EPA air, water, and chemical programs all fit together to affect your site's activities? Join in on the next Complete Environmental Regulations Webinar on September 4–5 at Lion.com.

EH&S professionals who attend can identify the regulations that apply to their facility and locate key requirements to achieve compliance with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to EPCRA, TSCA, Superfund, and more. Prefer to train at your own pace? Try the interactive online course.