EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 5/19

The EPA Enforcement Roundup gives you insight into how and why US EPA and State partners assess penalties for environmental noncompliance.

All violations or claims discussed below are alleged only unless we say otherwise, and we withhold the names of organizations and individuals to protect their privacy.

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A gold mining facility in Alaska faces a $275,000 penalty for alleged hazardous waste management violations.

The facility allegedly failed to make hazardous waste determinations and meet independent large quantity generator requirements. A generator who fails to comply with the "conditions for exemption" for their generator category—large, small, or very small—may be considered to be operating as unpermitted Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs), leading to additional citations for noncompliance and more costly civil penalties.

Large quantity generators are exempt from the permitting requirement as long as they meet certain requirements—the“conditions for exemption.” These conditions include limits on accumulation time, rules for safe waste storage and labeling, periodic inspections of hazardous waste areas, RCRA training requirements, and more.

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A wood pallet manufacturer in Washington faces a $71,950 penalty for alleged Clean Water Act violations.

EPA inspectors conducted an unannounced inspection of the manufacturer’s facility to assess compliance with the Clean Water Act and a permit from the Washington Department of Ecology.

The inspectors allege that the manufacturer discharged stormwater containing pollutants into waters of the United States (WOTUS), and failed to:

• Conduct quarterly sampling
• Timely submit discharge monitoring reports
• Provide all required information on sampling documents
• Analyze pH within hold time
• Submit annual reports
• Install, inspect, and maintain catch basins
• Maintain a complete SWPPP
• Vacuum, cover dumpsters, use secondary containment, and install spill kits
• Perform monthly visual inspections

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A pulp and paper manufacturer in Idaho faces a $440,393 penalty for alleged Clean Air Act violations.

According to officials, the manufacturer allegedly violated Clean Air Act regulations such as emergency program and emergency response program and program coordination requirements, as well as requirements for mechanical integrity and incident investigation.

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