Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 4/10

Posted on 4/9/2018 by Roger Marks

In this week’s EPA Enforcement Roundup, PCB-containing oil, air pollution source modifications, and a spill at a steel facility all resulted in EPA fines for noncompliance.  

Seen other EPA enforcement actions your colleagues can learn from? Post them on Lion’s Facebook page hereBe sure to like our page so you never miss an update about DOT hazmat, hazardous waste, OSHA workplace safety, and EPA compliance.

All accusations of environmental violations herein are “alleged” unless otherwise noted. Lion News does not publish names of individuals or companies impacted by EPA enforcement.


WHO: A Connecticut city and a waste hauler
WHERE: Ansonia and New Haven, CT
WHAT: Hazardous waste shipping and TSCA violations
HOW MUCH: $19,125 and $32,397 respectively

For allegedly shipping waste oil containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) without a Hazardous Waste Manifest, two entities—a Connecticut city and a waste hauler—will pay fines to US EPA.

The “un-manifested” PCB-containing oil was added to other used oil, cross-contaminating 4,500 gallons in total and rendering all of the oil unrecyclable. Under TSCA, wastes that contain PCBs must be managed and disposed of according to specific rules. For the alleged violations, the city will pay $19,125 and the waste hauler will pay $32,397.

Hazardous Waste Manifests go electronic on June 30—are you ready? Find out what EPA expects from generators, transporters, and TSDFs when the new “e-Manifest” requirements take effect. Join a Lion instructor for this live webinar on April 26. In one hour, we’ll cover what you need to know to make a smooth transition to EPA’s new electronic system.
 

WHO: A steel manufacturer
WHERE: Portage, IN
WHAT: Clean Water Act and EPCRA violations
HOW MUCH: $600,000 + response costs and damages

steel_making_145820618-(1).jpgFollowing a spill at its manufacturing facility in April 2017, a steel producer will reimburse Federal and State agencies for response costs and damages incurred and pay a six-figure civil penalty.

According to a Consent Decree lodged by the US Department of Justice last week, the April 2017 spill released chromium into the environment and caused four beaches and one public water drinking intake to close. Subsequently, EPA conducted inspections that uncovered noncompliance with NPDES permit requirements and failure to properly report the release as required under EPCRA.


WHO: A specialty chemical producer
WHERE: Woodville, OH
WHAT: Clean Air Act violations
HOW MUCH: $800,000

EPA alleges that a specialty products manufacturer made major modifications to five kilns at its Woodville, Ohio facility. Under the Clean Air Act, building new sources of air pollution and modifying  existing sources in certain ways require a permit.  In addition, facility operators must install technologies to limit air pollution when a source is built or modified.

In addition to the permitting violations, the facility operated the newly-modified kilns in violation of NESHAP limits and Ohio’s Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan.
 

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

computer-(1).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.

JOIN US LIVE! The 2018 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.


On-demand RCRA, RCRA Refresher, and EPA Compliance Training

Complete your annual RCRA training and get up to speed on the latest rules for hazardous waste generators at Lion.com.

Build on your expertise with a streamlined RCRA refresher course you can access anytime, anywhere. You get access to fully annotated resources trusted by professionals in the field since 1977. Plus, earn CEUs and leave with a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your questions, exclusive content and reference materials, State hazardous waste summaries, and more.
 
 

Tags: Act, Air, Clean, EPA, EPA Enforcement Roundup, fines and penalties, SDWA, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

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

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

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

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

What to do before, during, and after a RCRA hazardous waste inspection to defend your site from rising State and Federal penalties.

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.