Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 10/10

Posted on 10/6/2017 by Nick Waldron and Roger Marks

Every day, facilities across the US receive Notices of Violation from Federal and State environmental agencies 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.
 
In January 2017, EPA raised its fines for noncompliance with major environmental programs. We hope that providing information about EPA enforcement cases will help you identify and fix noncompliance issues that could leave your company facing costly penalties and future liability.

In this week’s EPA Enforcement Roundup, an Alaska hazmat carrier will pay for 3 diesel fuel spills caused by icy road conditions, a quarry will pay for Clean Water Act mistakes and an aluminium production facility will pay a six-figure fine for alleged Clean Air Act violations. 


WHO: A hazmat carrier
WHERE: Fairbanks and Valdez, AK
WHAT: Three diesel fuel spills
HOW MUCH: $43,000

vacuum_truck_oil_spill_268366676.jpgAn Alaska hazmat carrier reached a settlement with US EPA this week to pay $43,000 in penalties for three separate diesel fuel spills on the Richardson Highway between Fairbanks and Valdez, AK.

The releases occurred last year on September 5, October 21, and November 12. In the first release, equipment failure caused a tank to overturn into a ditch, and spill more than 3,500 gallons of diesel from multiple punctures. In October, a fuel tanker driver lost control of the vehicle in icy conditions, spilling diesel into a channel of the Tsina River. Last, when a driver braked for animals and hunters in the roadway, the truck fishtailed and ultimately spilled diesel fuel. 

Extreme weather and bad road conditions are just some of the rigors that hazmat shipments face in transportation. When releases do occur, having effective emergency notification and response procedures is crucial. In each of the accidents above, the logistics company was able to respond quickly, according to EPA. 


WHO: A quarry and stone crushing facility
WHERE: Acushnet, MA
WHAT: Clean Water Act stormwater violations

HOW MUCH: $140,000

For allegedly failing to comply with US EPA’s Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements, a Massachusetts quarry and stone crushing facility will pay a six-figure fine to EPA.

EPA conducted an inspection last year in response to reports of stormwater permit violations, at which time inspectors uncovered lack of secondary containment on oil storage containers (a violation of SPCC requirements), according to EPA’s press release.

To see how state-specific requirements may impact your NPDES stormwater responsibilities, read: How NPDES Permit Rules Can Vary by State


WHO: An aluminum production facility
WHERE: Mount Holly, SC
WHAT: Clean Air Act NESHAP violations
HOW MUCH: $230,000

A scrap aluminum processor will pay $230,000 for alleged violations of EPA’s National Emissions for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Standards.

What are NESHAPs? EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) limit how much pollution a given “source” can emit. Found in 40 CFR 61 and 63, NESHAPs require sources of air pollution to apply specific technologies and control to their equipment to keep emissions of certain pollutants below EPA’s thresholds.

The “sources” of air pollution in this case were melting furnaces that release hydrogen fluoride, a hazardous air pollutant covered under Section 112(a) of the Clean Air Act. The facility allegedly failed to properly performance test these furnaces according to the Department of Justice’s complaint and were cited for recordkeeping and reporting failures as well.
 

20+ Hours of EHS Manager Training - Available Anytime, Anywhere

ENV-300-computer-image.jpgManaging 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, the Complete Environmental Regulations Online Course will help you quickly build in-depth expertise.

Or, check out the latest individual EPA compliance training options here:
 
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
New! Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Just Launched! Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 
The 2017 nationwide schedule for the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop is now available. Collaborate with other managers to identify the requirements that apply to your facility, ask the right questions, and make the right decisions about EPA compliance.
 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, Clean Water Act, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines and penalties, SPCC

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

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

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

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

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

A guide to developing standard operating procedures, or SOPs, that help you select, manage, and audit your hazmat agents and contractors.

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.