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facility in 2016, EPA found the company that owned the facility allegedly distributed pesticide products with outdated labeling. The outdated labeling allegedly failed to include current information on how to safely use, store, and dispose of pesticide products.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 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 course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

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

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.

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.