Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 3/20

Posted on 3/19/2018 by Roger Marks

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 hereLike 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

EPA-logo.pngTo 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 RCRA-Reporting-BLOG.jpgrules 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

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

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

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

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.