Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
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

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

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

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

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

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

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

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This guide will help you identify 25 of the most -cited errors in RCRA training, recordkeeping, hazardous waste ID, container management, universal waste, and laboratories.

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.