EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 2/2

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 boatyard and marina
WHERE: Honolulu, HI
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $127,821

EPA recently announced a settlement with a marina in Honolulu to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. According to EPA, the marina allegedly discharged contaminants such as lead, zinc, and copper into Honolulu’s Ke‘ehi Lagoon via stormwater runoff.

Under the settlement, the marina developed a Stormwater Pollution Control Plan, resurfaced the 1.3-acre boatyard area to prevent discharges from work areas, implemented a plan to monitor for pollutants, and conducted employee training and daily inspections.
 

WHO: A ship maintenance facility
WHERE: Piti, GU
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $68,388

A shipyard in Guam is expected to pay over $68K after the alleged discharge of contaminants into Apra Harbor. Under a new settlement with EPA, the shipyard will install preventative measures in to reduce the discharge of pollutants like sandblast and paint debris in stormwater to the harbor. Sandblast and paint debris contain metals that harm aquatic life and sensitive coral reef ecosystems.

The shipyard has taken steps to ensure Clean Water Act compliance in the future. Since being alerted to the violations, the shipyard obtained the appropriate discharge permit, developed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to control pollutants, installed controls to contain sandblast and paint debris, and developed a plan to prevent non-stormwater discharges from entering Apra Harbor.
 

WHO: A cold storage company
WHERE: Des Moines, IA
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $65,008

As a result of inspections in March 2020, EPA identified several alleged violations of the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program standards related to a cold storage company’s chemical management practices at three of its facilities. During the inspections, EPA determined that the company failed to submit and implement risk management plans and a hazard assessment concerning the potential release of anhydrous ammonia.

In response to EPA’s inspection, the company took the necessary steps to return the facilities to compliance. As part of the settlement, the company will pay a $65,008 civil penalty.
 

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: Act, Air, anhydrous ammonia, Clean, Clean Water Act, environmental compliance, EPA, fines, penalties, risk management