Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 5/16

Posted on 5/16/2022 by Lauren Scott

Industrial facilities in the United States are subject to complex, overlapping environmental regulations concerning air emissions, discharges to water, hazardous waste management and disposal, oil spills, chemical management, and more. Failure to comply with all applicable US EPA requirements can result in future liability and civil penalties as high as $100,000+ per day, per violation (and growing every year).

The EPA enforcement actions highlighted below provide insight into how and why the Agency assesses civil penalties for environmental noncompliance. All violations mentioned are alleged unless we indicate otherwise.

We withhold the names of organizations and individuals subject to enforcement to protect their privacy.
 

WHO: A national satellite TV provider
WHERE: Alameda County, CA
WHAT: RCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $5.5 million

A household name in satellite TV has agreed to a multi-million-dollar settlement with California prosecutors for alleged improper disposal of hazardous waste in Alameda County and other areas of the state. Prosecutors alleged the company disposed of regulated electronic equipment, such as remote controls, transformers, batteries, and power adapters, in municipal garbage bins in violation of hazardous waste regulations.

Under the terms of the settlement, the company must pay a $3.32 million civil penalty and $835,500 in court fees. The satellite TV provider also agreed to implementing $500,000 in environmental compliance measures and conducting supplemental environmental projects totaling $845,000.
 

WHO: A stone quarry
WHERE: Marble, CO
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $235,430

A Colorado stone quarry must build a culvert and bridge and rehabilitate a stream that EPA alleges was negatively impacted by quarry activities. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the company illegally diverted about 1,700 feet of Yule Creek from its natural channel in late 2018 in violation of its Clean Water Act permit.

The Army Corps will allow the stream to remain in its new alignment as long as the company completes ecological enhancement of the section. This includes adding woody debris, creating pools and riffles, planting willows, and monitoring progress for the next five years. The Army Corps called leaving the stream where it is the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative, or LEDPA.
 

WHO: A timber company
WHERE: Longview, WA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $719,000

A lumber mill recently reached a settlement with a conservation organization, agreeing to pay a $600,00 to the Columbia River Restoration Fund plus $1119,000 in legal fees to resolve alleged violations of water quality and monitoring regulations. The group claims the mill discharged harmful levels of run-off into the Columbia River in Cowlitz County, which could deplete oxygen levels necessary for fish and spur growth of harmful bacteria.

As part of the settlement, the timber company must reroute one of its stormwater pipes from the Columbia River to a waste treatment plant. The company will also install aerators, at least one flow meter with monitoring probes, particulate streams, and biochar sock filters.
 

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, CERCLA, 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, fines, hazardous waste management, penalties, RCRA, roundup

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

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

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

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

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.