Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 5/11

Posted on 5/11/2020 by Lauren Scott

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 waste recycler
WHERE: Chicago, IL
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $530,000 plus $8 million in site improvements

A Chicago metal recycler has agreed to improve its operations to reduce air pollution after their facility allegedly exceeded State and Federal particulate emission and fugitive dust limits. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Breathing air with high levels of particulate matter has been linked to heart and respiratory problems.

Under the terms of the settlement, the company will invest approximately $8 million to bring the facility back into compliance with its emissions limits, with improved capture and collection systems for particulate matter and dust. The company agreed to also pay a $530,000 penalty.
 

WHO: Farm equipment supplier
WHERE: Meridian, ID
WHAT: FIFRA violations
HOW MUCH: $25,040

On February 27, an Idaho-based agricultural equipment distributor an agreement with EPA to resolve alleged violations of FIFRA. According to the EPA, the company allegedly imported misbranded products into the US with improper labeling between June 26, 2019, and July 29, 2019.

Under FIFRA it is unlawful for any person to distribute or sell to any person any misbranded pesticide. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $25,040.
 

WHO: An agricultural company
WHERE: Wenatchee, WA
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $10,600

EPA filed an expedited settlement agreement with a farming company in the Pacific Northwest after the company allegedly violated the Clean Air Act’s risk management plan provisions. The EPA alleges the company failed to ensure that adequate inspection and testing was performed on refrigeration equipment to prevent a potentially catastrophic release of anhydrous ammonia that could impact the community surrounding its facility.

The company agreed to pay a penalty of $10,600.
 

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:
 
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 

Tags: Clean Air Act, enforcement, environmental fines, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, epa penalties, FIFRA, Idaho, Pacific Northwest

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

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

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

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

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Just starting out with shipping lithium batteries? The four fundamental concepts in this guide are the place to start.

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.