Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 11/24

Posted on 11/24/2020 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: An industrial chemical manufacturer
WHERE: Follansbee and Green Spring, WV and Clairton, PA
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $800,000

A chemical manufacturer recently settled with EPA over alleged violations of the Clean Water Act’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) and Facility Response Plan (FRP) requirements. EPA cited the Follansbee location for the most significant violations, including the facility’s secondary containment for spills, and inadequate structural integrity inspection and testing of aboveground tanks.

As part of the settlement, the company did not admit the alleged violations, but certifies that it is now in compliance with applicable requirements. The company must also conduct integrity testing of specified tanks at the Follansbee site, or take them out of service; and to comply with SPCC and FRP reporting and plan amendment requirements.
 

WHO: A pet and gardening supply company
WHERE: Longmont, CO
WHAT: FIFRA violations
HOW MUCH: $285,700

After an investigation at a pesticide production facility in 2016, EPA found the company that owned the facility allegedly distributed pesticide products with outdated labeling. The outdated labeling allegedly failed to include current information on how to safely use, store, and dispose of pesticide products.

Since the inspection, EPA inspectors provided FIFRA compliance assistance for the company’s pesticide labeling operations. In addition to paying a fine, the company is required to ensure the pesticides they sell and distribute are properly labeled.
 

WHO: A crude oil facility
WHERE: Hays, KS
WHAT: Clean Water Act violations
HOW MUCH: $50,000

According to EPA, a Kansas crude oil production facility improperly released about 165 barrels of oil into the Saline River in 2016. In addition to paying a fine, the company agreed to take actions to achieve compliance at approximately 90 of its oil production facilities in Kansas.

Facilities that store 1,320 gallons or greater of oil products in aboveground storage tanks are subject to Clean Water Act regulations that require, among other things, accurate facility diagrams, equipment maintenance plans, and proper containment to contain oil releases. EPA alleges that the company failed to comply with these requirements, and that such noncompliance contributed to the discharges to the Saline River.
 

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 

Tags: Clean Water Act, colorado, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, FIFRA, fines, Kansas, penalties, Pennsylvania, pesticide, SPCC, West Virginia

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

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

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

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.