EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 6/7

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: An oil and gas equipment fabricator
WHERE: Mason, TX
WHAT: Industrial waste violations
HOW MUCH: $37,332

A facility that fabricates oil and gas industry equipment allegedly failed to perform waste determinations on a number of waste streams, ultimately leading to improper disposal of an industrial solid waste (ISW). The facility sent soil contaminated with air compressor oil to a local landfill that was not authorized to receive it.

The site also allegedly failed to perform waste determinations on other waste streams, including used paint material, paint filters, and paint rags, as well as discarded PPE, cardboard, and plant trash, according to TCEQ. 

In addition to hazardous wastes regulated under the Federal RCRA program, Texas regulates industrial waste under its unique State program.
 
Expert-led, in-person RCRA and Texas Hazardous and Industrial Waste Training returns to Houston on August 18–20 and Dallas on August 23–25. Annual hazardous and industrial waste training is required by TCEQ.
 

WHO: A metal manufacturing facility
WHERE: Alloy, WV
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $182,350

A primary metals manufacturer agreed to a settlement with EPA over alleged Clean Air Act emissions violations. According to EPA, several facility furnaces exceeded allowable levels of fugitive particulate matter emissions. Other production activities were found to have similar issues as well.

Since being notified of the violations, the company has certified that it is in compliance. This agreement is expected to help reduce the negative health impacts of the surrounding community.
 

WHO: A property maintenance company
WHERE: Boise, ID
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $62,000

According to EPA, a subdivision construction company allegedly failed to adhere to stormwater pollution prevention requirements. The company discharged uncontrolled wastewater from washout concrete without permit and failed to mitigate the discharge. As a result of unpermitted activities, turbid discharges reached Crane Creek, a tributary to Boise River.

Other alleged violations included failure to maintain an adequate Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and failure to install and maintain best practices for sediment control and erosion prevention.
 

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Tags: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, enforcement, environmental, EPA, fines, hazardous waste management, industrial waste, oil and gas, penalties, RCRA, TCEQ