Search

EPA Closes 2017 With Millions in Clean Air Act Penalties

Posted on 1/2/2018 by Roger Marks

Coal-Blog.jpgA lump of coal may be the holiday gift for bad boys and girls, but EPA had a much worse “present” in store for two carbon black manufacturers in December. In the final week of 2017, EPA giftwrapped some major Clean Air Act penalties for these two companies, totaling about $2 million.

By understanding what went wrong in these two compliance cases, you can prepare yourself to maintain compliance with the Clean Air Act in 2018—and avoid unpleasant surprises next holiday season. 


What Is Carbon Black?

Not quiet a “lump of coal,” carbon black is made up of near-pure carbon particulates that chain together. Manufactured in a tightly controlled process, carbon black is most commonly used to reinforce rubber and as an additive to coatings and polymers.


WHO: A carbon black manufacturer
WHERE: Addis, LA and Big Spring, TX
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $999,000

For alleged violations of Clean Air Act programs like New Source Review, NESHAPs, and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), a carbon black manufacturer will pay nearly $1 million; reduce SO2, NOx and particulate matter emissions; and spend an additional $490,000 on environmental projects.


WHO: A carbon black manufacturer
WHERE: Louisiana, Texas, and Ohio
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $800,000

In this case, EPA has assessed fines for many of the same violations noted above—namely failure to obtain permits and install pollution control equipment. This company, with facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Ohio, must reduce SO2, NOx, and particulate matter emissions as well, and spend $550,000 on an environmental project.

Both companies, EPA says, failed to obtain the proper permits and failed to install and operate pollution control devices required under the Clean Air Act.


20+ Hours of EHS Manager Training - Available Anytime, Anywhere

computer-(1).jpgManaging 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, the Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course will help you quickly build in-depth expertise.

Or, check out the latest individual 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 2018 nationwide schedule for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop is now available. 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: Act, Air, Clean, EPA, fines and penalties

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

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.