EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 3/29
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 energy supplier
In a new consent decree, an energy company agreed to pay a seven-figure penalty for allegedly violating clean water laws and to restore/mitigate harm to the impacted water resources. In 2014, the company alerted EPA of several potential unauthorized discharges of fill material without applicable permits at multiple sites in Pennsylvania.
As part of the settlement, the energy supplier must either seek after-the-fact authorization from Federal and/or State environmental regulators as appropriate to leave the fill in place, or restore the impacted wetlands or waterways. In all cases, the impacted water resource either will be restored or the environmental harm will be offset through off-site compensatory mitigation.
WHO: An auto salvage company
According to EPA, three affiliated auto salvage yards allegedly either incorrectly identified or did not identify at all stormwater conveyance paths and/or discharge points. Additionally, the facilities allegedly conducted inadequate corrective actions to try and mitigate the monitored pollutants as required.
After the company was alerted of the alleged violations, it submitted updated storm water pollution prevention plans and implemented best management practices to prevent future discharges. The company also fulfilled all maintenance, monitoring, sampling, inspections, training, and recordkeeping requirements.
WHO: An oil production facility
On June 19, 2018, an oil company allegedly released 455 barrels of crude oil from its tank battery facility into Grass Creek in Wyoming. In reviewing the spill, EPA discovered alleged SPCC plan violations at the facility. The company has since corrected these deficiencies and submitted an updated plan to EPA.
The $115,000 penalty will be deposited into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a fund used by Federal agencies to respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances. The proposed Consent Agreement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final approval by the EPA’s Regional Judicial Officer.
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
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 energy supplier
WHERE: 76 locations in PA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $1,900,000
In a new consent decree, an energy company agreed to pay a seven-figure penalty for allegedly violating clean water laws and to restore/mitigate harm to the impacted water resources. In 2014, the company alerted EPA of several potential unauthorized discharges of fill material without applicable permits at multiple sites in Pennsylvania.As part of the settlement, the energy supplier must either seek after-the-fact authorization from Federal and/or State environmental regulators as appropriate to leave the fill in place, or restore the impacted wetlands or waterways. In all cases, the impacted water resource either will be restored or the environmental harm will be offset through off-site compensatory mitigation.
WHO: An auto salvage company
WHERE: Three locations in MA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $293,425
According to EPA, three affiliated auto salvage yards allegedly either incorrectly identified or did not identify at all stormwater conveyance paths and/or discharge points. Additionally, the facilities allegedly conducted inadequate corrective actions to try and mitigate the monitored pollutants as required.After the company was alerted of the alleged violations, it submitted updated storm water pollution prevention plans and implemented best management practices to prevent future discharges. The company also fulfilled all maintenance, monitoring, sampling, inspections, training, and recordkeeping requirements.
WHO: An oil production facility
WHERE: Hot Springs County, WY
WHAT: SPCC violations
HOW MUCH: $115,000
On June 19, 2018, an oil company allegedly released 455 barrels of crude oil from its tank battery facility into Grass Creek in Wyoming. In reviewing the spill, EPA discovered alleged SPCC plan violations at the facility. The company has since corrected these deficiencies and submitted an updated plan to EPA.The $115,000 penalty will be deposited into the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, a fund used by Federal agencies to respond to discharges of oil and hazardous substances. The proposed Consent Agreement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final approval by the EPA’s Regional Judicial Officer.
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, CERLCA, 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, enforcement, environmental compliance, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines, penalties, SPCC
Find a Post
Recent Posts
Compliance Archives
Download Our Latest Whitepaper
Spot and correct 4 of the most common universal waste errors before they result in a notice of violation during a Federal or state inspection.
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.