EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 3/20
This week, the owner of a massive Utah mining complex and two natural gas processing companies will pay restitution to US EPA. These are only a few of the environmental enforcement cases we read about this week.
See EPA enforcement actions that colleagues can learn from? Post them on Lion’s Facebook page here. Like Lion’s page, so you never miss an update about DOT hazmat, hazardous waste, OSHA workplace safety, and EPA compliance.
In last week’s Roundup, we brought you two major enforcement cases in California, including a $27 million penalty for a major home improvement chain.
WHO: A mining company
To recoup ongoing remediation costs incurred at the Bunker Hill Mine and Smelting Complex in the Coeur D’Alene Basin of Idaho, US EPA this month announced a settlement with the site’s current lessee and possible future owner. In addition to paying $20 million in outstanding costs, the new lessee has agreed to pay $1 million per year for water treatment costs incurred by EPA. The new lessee will also take over cleanup work previously ordered by EPA.
The Bunker Hill Mine site was added to EPA’s National Priorities list in the early 1980s, due in part to high levels of lead found in local children’s blood. The site was the world’s largest mining complex when it was built in the late 19th century. EPA has previously collected more than $600 million from other parties to fund the long-term cleanup of the site.
WHO: 2 natural gas processing facilities
In addition to paying a six-figure civil penalty for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan requirements for hazardous chemicals, two natural gas processing facilities will spend nearly $400,000 to install a system flare to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Under the Clean Air Act §112(r), facilities that use or process large volumes of certain chemicals must maintain a risk management plan that includes a description of covered processes and substances, a five-year accident history, a hazard assessment, and other elements.
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, the Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course will help you quickly build in-depth expertise.
JOIN US LIVE! 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.
Complete your annual RCRA training and get up to speed on the latest 
rules for hazardous waste generators at Lion.com.
Build on your expertise with a streamlined RCRA refresher course you can access anytime, anywhere. You get access to fully annotated resources trusted by professionals in the field since 1977. Plus, earn CEUs and leave with a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your questions, exclusive content and reference materials, State hazardous waste summaries, and more.
See EPA enforcement actions that colleagues can learn from? Post them on Lion’s Facebook page here. Like Lion’s page, so you never miss an update about DOT hazmat, hazardous waste, OSHA workplace safety, and EPA compliance.
In last week’s Roundup, we brought you two major enforcement cases in California, including a $27 million penalty for a major home improvement chain.
WHO: A mining company
WHERE: Kellogg, ID
WHAT: Recuperation of CERCLA cleanup costs
HOW MUCH: $20 million + $1 million per year
To recoup ongoing remediation costs incurred at the Bunker Hill Mine and Smelting Complex in the Coeur D’Alene Basin of Idaho, US EPA this month announced a settlement with the site’s current lessee and possible future owner. In addition to paying $20 million in outstanding costs, the new lessee has agreed to pay $1 million per year for water treatment costs incurred by EPA. The new lessee will also take over cleanup work previously ordered by EPA.The Bunker Hill Mine site was added to EPA’s National Priorities list in the early 1980s, due in part to high levels of lead found in local children’s blood. The site was the world’s largest mining complex when it was built in the late 19th century. EPA has previously collected more than $600 million from other parties to fund the long-term cleanup of the site.
WHO: 2 natural gas processing facilities
WHERE: Altamont, UT and Sinclair, WY
WHAT: Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan (RMP) violations
HOW MUCH: $179,099
In addition to paying a six-figure civil penalty for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act Risk Management Plan requirements for hazardous chemicals, two natural gas processing facilities will spend nearly $400,000 to install a system flare to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Under the Clean Air Act §112(r), facilities that use or process large volumes of certain chemicals must maintain a risk management plan that includes a description of covered processes and substances, a five-year accident history, a hazard assessment, and other elements.
20+ Hours of Environmental Manager Training - Available Anytime, Anywhere
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, the Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course will help you quickly build in-depth expertise.JOIN US LIVE! 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.
On-demand RCRA, RCRA Refresher, and EPA Compliance Training
Complete your annual RCRA training and get up to speed on the latest rules for hazardous waste generators at Lion.com.Build on your expertise with a streamlined RCRA refresher course you can access anytime, anywhere. You get access to fully annotated resources trusted by professionals in the field since 1977. Plus, earn CEUs and leave with a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your questions, exclusive content and reference materials, State hazardous waste summaries, and more.
Tags: CERCLA, Clean Air Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines and penalties
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