Lion's office will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 6/21

Posted on 6/21/2022 by Lauren Scott

Industrial facilities in the United States are subject to complex, overlapping environmental regulations concerning air emissions, discharges to water, hazardous waste management and disposal, oil spills, chemical management, and more. Failure to comply with all applicable US EPA requirements can result in future liability and civil penalties as high as $100,000+ per day, per violation (and growing every year).

The EPA enforcement actions highlighted below provide insight into how and why the Agency assesses civil penalties for environmental noncompliance. All violations mentioned are alleged unless we indicate otherwise.

We withhold the names of organizations and individuals subject to enforcement to protect their privacy.
 

WHO: An industrial airport
WHERE: Caldwell, ID
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $15,000

An Idaho municipality reached an agreement with EPA over alleged violations of the Industrial Stormwater General Permit at its industrial airport. Violations include failure to conduct quarterly inspections, failure to minimize erosion, failure to implement control measures to minimize exposure of fueling operation to precipitation, and an incomplete Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The city agreed to modify the facility to correct the violations and agreed to update its SWPPP.

Under the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), companies must control pollutants entering the water in runoff from streets, parking lots, rooftops, and other surfaces at industrial and construction sites. The water that runs off these surfaces may pick up sediment, debris, chemicals, or other hazardous pollutants before it reaches the waters of the United States.
 

WHO: A telecommunications manufacturer
WHERE: Jessup, MD
WHAT: TSCA violations
HOW MUCH: $8,277

After a facility inspection on June 20, 2019, EPA identified alleged TSCA violations at the tech company facility. According to EPA, the company exported a carbon nanomaterial substance in one instance without prior notification to EPA, as required by TSCA. Once notified of the alleged violation, the company submitted the export notification and has paid the civil penalty.

Information on EPA’s Notice of Export rule requirements can be found at 40 CFR 707, Subpart D.
 

WHO: A construction company
WHERE: Holden, MA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $10,500

EPA recently issued a civil penalty to a developer for allegedly failing to adequately control erosion at a construction site. All construction sites one acre or larger, with the potential to discharge stormwater to surface waters, are required to obtain coverage under EPA's General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities, comply with the terms of the permit, and thereby minimize sediment discharges.

Dirt, sediment, and other pollutants carried off construction sites can damage aquatic habitat, contribute to harmful algal blooms, and physically clog streams and pipes. Operators of new construction sites must apply for permit coverage prior to initiating land-disturbing activity.
 

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, CERCLA, 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: Clean Water Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, roundup, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

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

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 have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

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

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Look beyond the annual "Top 10 List" to see specifics about the most cited OSHA health & safety Standards and the individual regulations that tripped up employers the most last year. 

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.