Search

EPA Enforcement Roundup: Week of 10/2

Posted on 10/2/2023 by Lion Technology Inc.

US businesses are subject to complex, overlapping environmental regulations related to air emissions, discharges to water, hazardous waste management and disposal, oil spills, chemical management, and more. Failure to comply with all applicable US EPA requirements can result in future liability and civil penalties as high as $100,000+ per day, per violation.

The EPA Enforcement Roundup highlights enforcement actions that offer insight into how and why US EPA and state partners assess penalties for noncompliance for environmental regulations.

All violations or claims discussed below are alleged only unless we say otherwise, and we withhold the names of organizations and individuals to protect their privacy.

Your EPA Enforcement Roundup for this week:

Two California companies pay to settle alleged environmental violations related to anhydrous ammonia refrigeration systems.

A frozen produce production facility using anhydrous ammonia in refrigeration systems failed to appropriately mitigate the chemical's risks as required by the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPCRA, EPA alleges. According to the agency, the facility did not implement compliant ventilation or properly calibrate sensors to detect releases of anhydrous ammonia.

In a second case, EPA claims that a juice-maker also violated CAA and EPCRA, in part by failing to minimize the consequences of an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia used on site to refrigerate juice. Combined, the two companies face a penalty burden north of $250,000. One will also contribute $67,000 toward a local fire department's emergency response preparedness.


An offshore drilling company faces $507,000 in penalties for alleged Clean Water Act and oil & gas permit violations.

A complaint filed by the US Department of Justice alleges that the company exceeded the effluent limits for discharged pollutants and inaccurately reported discharge monitoring, among other violations.

To settle the alleged non-compliance, the company must:

  • Submit timely and accurate reports.
  • Perform all required inspections and monitoring.
  • Continue development and implementation procedures to track its vessels and mobile facilities engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities in the Gulf.
  • Establish procedures for cooling water intakes that ensure fish and other aquatic species do not become trapped in filter screens.

The company must also hire a third party to review its compliance plans and demonstrate to the EPA that it has completed all mandatory corrective actions and must submit annual compliance reports to the Agency.


At-sea fish processors face $999,000 in penalties for alleged Clean Water Act violations off the Oregon and Washington coast.

The Agency claims the companies (a fish processing company and the owners of its vessels) committed hundreds of violations along the coast while harvesting and processing fish, including discharging waste into protected waters, failing to monitor its discharges, and submitting incomplete or inaccurate annual reports.


Complete Environmental Regulations Training

Want a clearer idea of how major EPA air, water, and chemical programs all fit together to affect your site's activities? Join in on the next Complete Environmental Regulations Webinar on December 14–15 at Lion.com.

EH&S professionals who attend can identify the regulations that apply to their facility and locate key requirements to achieve compliance with the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to EPCRA, TSCA, Superfund, and more. Prefer to train at your own pace? Try the interactive online course.

Tags: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPA Enforcement Roundup, EPCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

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 course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

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

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

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

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

The instructor created a great learning environment.

Avinash Thummadi

CAD & Environmental 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

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In most cases, injuries that occur at work are work-related and must be recorded to maintain compliance with OSHA regulations. This report shows you the 9 types of injuries you don’t record.

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.