EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 3/15

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: A metal works facility
WHERE: Butler, IN
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $475,000

An Indiana steel manufacturer has agreed to upgrade air pollution control equipment at one of its facilities after the company allegedly failed to comply with its Title V permit. According to EPA investigators, the facility allegedly failed to capture all emissions from three ladle metallurgical stations and route them to a baghouse.

Specifically, the newly announced consent decree requires the company to upgrade the capture and control of emission from the ladle metallurgical stations by constructing and operating a new or expanded baghouse. This new or expanded baghouse will reduce particulate matter emissions and protect public health.
 

WHO: Two chemical distribution sites
WHERE: Fairbanks, AK and Santa Fe Springs, CA
WHAT: TSCA violations
HOW MUCH: $128,265

During inspections at two chemical facilities, EPA inspectors found a chemical distribution company failed to submit accurate and timely reports and notification associated with the import and export of nine chemicals. Between 2012 and 2017, the company allegedly failed to properly report the import production volumes and uses of five chemicals and failed to produce first-time export notices for four chemicals.

Under TSCA, chemical importers and manufacturers are required to submit Chemical Data Reporting information to EPA every four years. The quadrennial chemical data reports for 2016–2019 were due last month.
 

WHO: A chemical manufacturer
WHERE: Bristol, PA
WHAT: RCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $44,880

According to EPA, a Pennsylvania chemical company allegedly stored hazardous waste for more than 90 days without a permit, failed to properly mark hazardous waste containers, and failed to provide annual RCRA training in violation of Federal hazardous waste regulations.

The company has settled with EPA, offering full cooperation with Federal agencies, and has since certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements.
 

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Tags: chemicals, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, environmental, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines, hazardous waste management, penalties, RCRA, TSCA