Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 5/23

Posted on 5/23/2022 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 steel production plant
WHERE: Braddock, PA
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $1.5 million plus a $750,000 Supplemental Environmental Project

A steel company agreed to pay a seven-figure civil penalty and make extensive improvements as part of a settlement for alleged longstanding air pollution violations. EPA cited concerns of particulate matter, especially particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), dating as far back as 2016. PM2.5 pose a significant risk to health, particularly respiratory health.

In addition, the company will provide $750,000 in funding to the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development towards the creation of a multimodal connection trail for hikers and bicyclists that links the Great Allegheny Passage in Rankin Borough to the Westmoreland Heritage Trail in Trafford Borough through the Turtle Creek Valley.
 

WHO: A meatpacking facility
WHERE: Vernon, CA
WHAT: Risk Management Plan violations
HOW MUCH: $237,537

On September 21, 2017, EPA inspected an animal slaughtering and meat processing facility and found violations of the Clean Air Act’s Risk Management Program requirements. The alleged violations include failure to identify emergency exhaust pipe and pressure valve hazards, failure to repair a malfunctioning ammonia sensor, and failure to maintain sufficient safety information for the facility’s alarms and process equipment.

As part of the agreement, the meat processor repaired damaged refrigeration equipment, added safety signage and labeling, and improved emergency ventilation systems to ensure the public and first responders are protected from potentially dangerous chemicals.
 

WHO: An ice supplier
WHERE: New Bedford, MA
WHAT: Risk Management Plan violations
HOW MUCH: $170,000

Following a 2018 anhydrous ammonia release, EPA discovered multiple Risk Management Plan violations at an ice production facility, such as failure to compile required written process safety information and failure to fully comply with process hazard analysis requirements. EPA also found the facility failed to properly train employees, which helps ensure workers and emergency responders have the information they need to safely respond to an accidental release.

Companies that rely on cooling processes often use anhydrous ammonia as a refrigerant, but it can be very dangerous when released into the environment. In its gaseous form, it is flammable and combustible. The Clean Air Act requires that companies storing over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia must submit a risk management plan.
 

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: chemical management, Clean Air Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, Risk Management Plan, roundup

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental Manager

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

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.