Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 12/9

Posted on 12/10/2019 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: 11 cement manufacturing plants
WHERE: AL, CA, IA, IN, MD, NY, PA, and TX
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $1.3 million plus $12 million in facility improvements

A nation-wide manufacturing company has agreed to a multi-million-dollar settlement with EPA over alleged excess sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions at its 11 facilities. The company has also agreed to install new emission controls at its cement kilns to adhere to current emission standards. EPA estimates the new controls will reduce air pollution by more than 4,555 tons of nitrogen oxides and 989 tons of sulfur dioxide each year.

Facilities covered by the settlement are in Leeds, AL; Cupertino, Redding, and Tehachapi, CA; Mason City, IA; Mitchell, IN; Union Bridge, MD; Glens Falls, NY; Fleetwood and York, PA; and Woodway, TX.  
 

WHO: A waste management servicer
WHERE: Richland, WA
WHAT: RCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $23,375

EPA announced a consent agreement and final order with a Northwest waste management company to resolve alleged RCRA violations from 2013 and 2014. EPA alleges the company’s liability insurance policy during this time did not provide required coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. This coverage was necessary because of the mixed waste the facility manages from the Department of Energy Hanford site.

The company has since come into full compliance with its RCRA permit and agreed to pay over $23k in penalties.
 

WHO: A recycling center
WHERE: Burlington, WA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $22,375 plus $1,685,722 in supplemental projects

A Washington recycling center was allegedly operating in violation of Washington’s NPDES Industrial Stormwater General Permit by failing to perform monthly inspections and complete a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Other violations include unauthorized wastewater discharges into the waters of the US.

The facility has agreed to install a stormwater treatment system as part of a Supplemental Environmental Program to eliminate the discharge of any polluted stormwater to waters of the U.S. The total value of the Supplemental Environmental Program is estimated to be $1,685,722. 
 

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
New! Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Just Launched! Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 
The 2020 nationwide schedule for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop is available online. Collaborate with other managers to identify the requirements that apply to your facility, ask the right questions, and make the right decisions about EPA compliance.
 

Tags: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, enforcement, environmental, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines, hazardous waste, penalties, pollution, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

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

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

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

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

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.