Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 11/16

Posted on 11/16/2020 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 flooring and wall panel manufacturer
WHERE: Eastaboga, AL
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $900,000 plus $8.05 million in in supplemental projects

On November 2, EPA filed a proposed Consent Decree to resolve alleged unauthorized wastewater discharges by an Alabama-based manufacturer. Under the terms of the proposed Consent Decree, the company will develop and implement a pretreatment compliance training program and develop certain standard operating procedures for its facility as well as other facility improvements.

The company will also complete a supplemental environmental project to install an evaporation system that will reduce by over 86% the annual volume of process wastewater that is pretreated and discharged to the receiving POTW in Oxford, Alabama. 
 

WHO: A home and personal care products wholesaler
WHERE: Los Angeles, CA
WHAT: FIFRA violations
HOW MUCH: $213,668

A personal goods distributor reached an agreement over an alleged illegal attempt to import alcohol wipes that were not registered with EPA. According to EPA, the company sought to import over 650,000 wipes in 20 shipments into the US. The company also failed to file required documents stating that it was importing pesticides into the country.

EPA recently expanded its list of disinfecting products that are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The list contains over 500 additional products—including products that went through the expedited review process for emerging viral pathogens. Only disinfecting products approved by EPA can make public health claims relating to effectiveness against viruses, bacteria, and other organisms.
 

WHO: An electronics recycling facility
WHERE: West Memphis, AR
WHAT: RCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $19,125

A facility that recycles consumer electronics allegedly mishandled hazardous and universal wastes as identified by EPA and State investigators on October 26, 2018. State and Federal environmental agencies claim the company failed to make a waste determination, properly and timely dispose of waste, demonstrate waste accumulation time, and provide necessary training among other violations.

In addition to paying a fine, the agreement requires the facility to submit either written procedures for determining if separated components of consumer electronic items may be characterized as hazardous waste or written notification that the disassembled electronics will be managed as universal waste.
 

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 
 

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

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

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

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

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

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

Sarah Baker

Planner

I think LION does an excellent job of any training they do. Materials provided are very useful to my day-to-day work activities.

Pamela Embody

EHS Specialist

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

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.