Press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6,
2012
Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer to Pay
$885,000 Penalty to Resolve Violations of the Clean Air
Act
WASHINGTON
– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with
recreational vehicle manufacturer, American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki
Motor Corporation, to pay an $885,000 penalty for allegedly importing and
selling 25,458 uncertified all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road motorcycles
in the United States. ATVs and motorcycles that are not certified may be
operating without proper emissions controls and can emit excess hydrocarbons and
nitrogen oxides that can cause respiratory illnesses, aggravate asthma and
contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, or smog.
“EPA’s
vehicle emission standards are vital safeguards that protect our nation’s air
quality,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “By taking action to deter the importation
and sale of non-compliant engines, EPA is not only protecting people’s health,
but is also ensuring a level playing field for manufacturers that play by the
rules.”
The Suzuki ATVs and off-road motorcycles were uncertified because
they were manufactured with an undisclosed electronic emission control
configuration that would allow the vehicles to be modified for increased
horsepower through the installation of an aftermarket part. This type of
modification could lead to increased emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen
oxides. Design features that may effect emissions must be disclosed in
certificate applications. Vehicles that do not conform to the design
specifications in their certificate applications are not covered by a
certificate. The violations were identified and self-disclosed by
Suzuki.
The Clean Air Act (CAA) prohibits any vehicle or engine from
being imported into or sold in the United States unless it is covered by a
valid, EPA-issued certificate of conformity indicating that the vehicle or
engine meets applicable federal emission standards. The certificate of
conformity is the primary way EPA ensures that vehicles and engines meet
emission standards. This enforcement action is part of an ongoing effort by EPA
to ensure that all imported vehicles and engines comply with the CAA’s
requirements.
The settlement requires Suzuki to implement three emission
mitigation projects to reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 210 tons or more. The
projects include replacing older unregulated gas cans with gas cans that meet
current evaporative emission requirements, discontinuing the sale of
high-permeability fuel line hoses, and installing evaporative emission control
devices on certain models of highway motorcycles sold throughout the United
States.
Suzuki also will modify its warranty policy and owner’s manual
for ATVs and off-road motorcycles to increase awareness of modifications to
emissions control systems, environmental regulations, prohibited modifications,
and acts that could result in loss of warranty coverage.
More information
on the settlement: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/suzuki.html
More information
on EPA’s Clean Air Act mobile source enforcement programs: http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/air/index.html#mobile
R151
Showing posts with label act. Show all posts
Showing posts with label act. Show all posts
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Performance Operating Company Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
The Performance Operating
Company Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
(DALLAS –
September 5, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Performance
Operating Company, LLC, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, $3,250 for violating federal
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations at two of its oil
production facilities.
A June 28,
2012, EPA inspection at the company’s North Kane Tank Battery in Osage County,
Oklahoma, found the facility’s SPCC plan had inadequate or no facility diagram,
no listing of type of oil and storage capacity layout of containers, and the
plan did not discuss nor implement appropriate containment and diversionary
structures and equipment. The inspection also revealed the field drainage
system, oil traps and skimmers were not regularly inspected and oil not promptly
removed. The fine for the violations at the North Kane Tank Battery was
$1,750.
A second EPA
inspection on June 28, 2012, found the company’s #4A SWD facility in Osage
County had no SPCC plan as required by federal regulations. The fine for the
absence of an SPCC plan was $1,500.
As part of an
Expedited Settlement Agreement with the EPA, the company has provided
certification that all identified deficiencies have been corrected at both
facilities.
SPCC
regulations require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide
oil spill prevention, preparedness and countermeasures to prevent oil
discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a
spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of
water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is available
at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
# # #
Thursday, August 30, 2012
EPA issues complaint to Tahiti Nui for failing to close cesspools
Press release:
EPA issues complaint to Tahiti Nui for failing to close
cesspools
Kauai
restaurant failed to respond to demands to comply with
requirements
HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
initiated an enforcement action under the Safe Drinking Water Act against
Christian Marston and Tahiti Nui Enterprises, Inc. LLC for failing to close
three large capacity cesspools in Hanalei, Kauai.
“EPA is committed to protecting Hawaii’s vital water
resources by closing these illegal large capacity cesspools,” said Jared
Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Although
almost 3,000 cesspools have been closed, an alarming number are still in
use.”
EPA has inspected Marston’s property, including the
Tahiti Nui Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, multiple times and notified Marston that
his establishment was in violation of the federal regulations. In 2006, the
owner acknowledged the operation of large capacity cesspools and retained the
services of a professional engineer to design a state-approved individual
wastewater system to replace the cesspools.
However, in 2010 EPA determined that Marston had failed
to comply with the requirements to close and convert the three cesspools serving
his property. As a result of the continued noncompliance, EPA is now seeking
penalties of up to $177,500, the amount authorized under the Safe Drinking Water
Act, in addition to prompt closure and replacement of the cesspools with an
approved wastewater system.
The facility is located in a "priority watershed," as
designated by the State of Hawaii and EPA, where use of the large capacity
cesspools poses a significant risk to underground sources of drinking water and
nearby surface waters.
A large capacity cesspool discharges untreated sewage
from multiple dwellings, or a non-residential location that serves 20 or more
people per day. EPA regulations prohibited new large capacity cesspool
construction after April 2000 and required closure of existing large cesspools
as of April 2005. The regulations do not apply to single-family homes connected
to their own individual cesspools or to non-residential cesspools that do not
have the capacity to serve 20 or more people.
Cesspools, which are used more widely in Hawaii than any
other state, discharge raw sewage into the ground, where disease-causing
pathogens and other contaminants can pollute groundwater, streams and the ocean.
Large capacity cesspools are used by restaurants, hotels, office complexes, and
multiple dwellings, such as duplexes, apartments and condominiums, to dispose
their sanitary waste.
For more information on this particular complaint visit:
http://www.epa.gov/region9/enforcement/pubnotices/pubnotice-tahiti-nui.html
For more information on the large capacity cesspool ban,
please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/water/groundwater/uic-hicesspools.html
# # #
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
International Builder and DC-based Subsidiary Agree to Pay $270,000 to Settle Stormwater Violations at Construction Sites
Press release:
EPA’s complaint includes allegations that at various sites the companies failed to:
In addition to paying civil penalties, Turner and Tompkins entered into an earlier settlement requiring the companies to implement a program to assure future compliance with federal construction stormwater requirements.
As part of the settlement, the companies did not admit liability for the alleged violations. To view a copy of the consent agreement http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/npdes/enforcement.html.
International Builder and DC-based Subsidiary
Agree to Pay $270,000
to
Settle Stormwater Violations at Construction Sites
(PHILADELPHIA, August 29, 2012)
Turner Construction Co., an international builder based in New York City, and
its subsidiary Tompkins Builders, Inc. of Washington, D.C., have agreed to pay
$270,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations of federal stormwater
regulations at construction sites throughout the mid-Atlantic region, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
On August 27, 2012 EPA filed two Consent
Agreements and Final Orders alleging that Turner and Tompkins violated their
Clean Water Act permits allowing for the discharge of stormwater from
construction sites, and in other instances discharged construction stormwater
without permits. The alleged violations occurred at 17 construction sites the
companies operated in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
Fifteen of these sites are located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and two are
in the Delaware River watershed (see attached list of construction sites).
Turner and Tompkins operated these sites for
clients including federal and local governments, the Department of Defense,
universities and other organizations. A construction project at Prince George’s Community College Center for Health Studies
is among them, in which case unfiltered basin
water flowed, absent a permit, to the storm sewer system that discharges to the
Western Branch of the Patuxent River.
In the mid-Atlantic region, Virginia, Maryland, and
Pennsylvania are authorized to issue CWA stormwater permits with oversight from
EPA; stormwater permits in the District of Columbia are issued by EPA.
In general, the permits in this case required
the companies to install controls to prevent pollutants, such as sediment,
debris, and chemicals, from being discharged in stormwater into nearby
waterways. These controls may include common-sense safeguards such as silt
fences, phased site grading and sediment basins to prevent construction
contaminants from polluting waterways.
EPA’s complaint includes allegations that at various sites the companies failed to:
- Perform or properly document required site inspections;
- Maintain structures and controls designed to prevent polluted stormwater from reaching streams; and,
- Obtain CWA Permits prior to beginning construction.
In addition to paying civil penalties, Turner and Tompkins entered into an earlier settlement requiring the companies to implement a program to assure future compliance with federal construction stormwater requirements.
As part of the settlement, the companies did not admit liability for the alleged violations. To view a copy of the consent agreement http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/npdes/enforcement.html.
To learn more about EPA’s stormwater management
program, http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater.
#
Turner/Tompkins
Construction Sites where stormwater violations occurred:
Facilities
Covered
|
Facility
Address
|
| Sustainment Center for Excellence | Corner of Lee Avenue and A Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801 |
Langley Air Force Base Hospital
Addition
|
63 Pine Road, Langley Air Force Base, VA 23665 |
| Warrenton Training Center, Station C Firing Range | Summerduck Road, Remmington, VA |
| Building B-70 Warrenton Training Center | Bearwallow Road, Warrenton VA |
| D.C. Youth Center, Laurel, MD |
8100 Main Ave, Laurel, Md
20724
|
| Hershey Expansion Project | Hershey, PA |
| Martin Luther King Memorial | Ind Avenue, and West Basin Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20001 |
| Fort Belvoir Community Hospital | Building R1450, 9025 Richmond Hwy, Fort Belvoir 22314 |
| Prince George’s Community College Center for Health Studies | 301 Hay Road, Largo, MD 20774 |
| TRADOC Headquarters | Murphy Field, Fort Eustis, VA 23604 |
Franklin & Marshall University Race Street
Parking Lot
|
415 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 |
| Army National Guard Readiness Center | 111 S George Mason Dr., Arlington, VA 22204 |
| Drexel University Integrated Sciences Building | 33rd and Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| FDA Consolidation at White Oak – Buildings 31 & 32 | 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993 |
| Penn Park Complex |
299 South 30th St. Philadelphia, PA
19104
|
Salamander Resort and Spa
|
23325 Foxcroft Rd, Middleburg, VA 20117 |
| C4ISR Center for Excellence |
2201 Averdeen Blvd. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
21010
|
Monday, August 27, 2012
U.S. Navy Settles Hazardous Waste Violations at Facility in Virginia Beach, Va.
Press release:
U.S. Navy Settles
Hazardous Waste Violations at Facility in
Virginia Beach, Va.
PHILADELPHIA (August 23, 2012)
-- The U.S. Navy has
agreed to pay a $32,800 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous
waste regulations and underground storage tank (UST) regulations at the Joint
Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story facility in Virginia Beach, Va. , the
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency announced today.
EPA cited
the U.S. Navy for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA),
the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous
waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid
costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and
disposal of hazardous waste. In addition, RCRA regulates underground storage
tanks with the emphasis on preventing releases from USTs which can cause serious
contamination to our nation's groundwater.
The
U.S. Navy facility, which provides housing and training for
the nation’s expeditionary forces, allegedly violated RCRA by failing to determine if the waste was hazardous;
storing hazardous waste at
the facility, failing to label
containers with date and contents; failing to have functioning spill and over
fill equipment for two USTs; and failing to notify the state when a new
oil-containing UST was installed.
The settlement penalty reflects the Navy's
compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the investigation and
resolution of this matter. The facility has
made significant improvements to come into compliance including the removal of
an underground storage tank, providing personnel training and implementing
better management practices. As part of
the settlement, the U.S. Navy has neither admitted nor denied liability for the
alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA
requirements.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Stone Energy Corporation Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
Stone Energy Corporation
Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
(DALLAS – August 24, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency has fined
the Stone Energy Corporation of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, $7,055 for
violating federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC)
regulations outlined under the federal Clean Water Act.
A January 25,
2012, EPA inspection of its Main Pass 21 oil production facility located in
Venice, Louisiana, revealed the facility had failed to conduct inspections in
accordance with SPCC regulations. The inspection also found the facility’s SPCC
plan did not discuss flowline high pressure devices and well shut-in valves as
well as adequate protection of sub-marine piping against environmental
stresses.
SPCC regulations
require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill
prevention, preparedness and countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC
program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a spill of only one
gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is available
at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at
http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
# #
#
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
Press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2012
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC will pay a civil penalty of $1.25 million to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Suffolk Downs racetrack facility in Revere and East Boston, Mass. The company is also spending more than $3 million to prevent polluted water from entering nearby waterways and will perform three environmental projects worth approximately $742,000 that will provide water quality monitoring and protection efforts for more than 123 square miles of watershed. The terms of the settlement are contained in a consent decree lodged in federal court in Boston today.
The federal complaint alleges that Suffolk allowed polluted wastewater, including horse manure, urine and bedding material, to discharge into Sales Creek, a tributary of Belle Isle Inlet and Boston Harbor. In addition, the federal complaint alleges that Suffolk operated its concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), which stables race horses from March through November, without a permit under the CWA.
“This settlement reduces a major source of pollution into Boston Harbor,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “In addition, the settlement’s environmental projects include monitoring water quality in the harbor’s watershed, helping to protect a valuable urban waterway for the use and enjoyment of Boston area residents and visitors.”
“Today’s agreement will prevent further discharges of wastewater from Suffolk Downs into local waterways and will bring the racetrack into compliance with the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s streams, wetlands and rivers from the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The settlement also brings lasting benefits to residents and the environment by requiring water quality monitoring in the Mystic and Saugus river watersheds and a salt marsh habitat protection project near the racetrack.”
In response to EPA’s enforcement at this facility, Suffolk is completing construction of a wastewater collection system, is making improvements to its stormwater collection system and has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Suffolk will minimize the volume of and properly manage the wastewater it produces, which will now be collected in a detention pond and discharged during non-peak hours to the sanitary sewer system. Suffolk will also implement green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to address stormwater discharges from the racetrack and maintenance areas of the facility. These techniques involve the use of natural or engineered systems to direct stormwater to areas where it can be stored, infiltrated, evapotranspirated, or reused.
EPA inspections revealed that Suffolk Down’s process wastewater discharged from the facility to Sales Creek during dry and wet weather. EPA inspectors observed stormwater contaminated with manure and turbid, brown runoff being discharged from the facility to Sales Creek. Sampling conducted at various outfalls discharging from the Suffolk Downs facility indicated elevated levels of pollutants, including ammonia, suspended solids and bacteria. Animal wastes contain excessive levels of nutrients and pathogens, which produce adverse environmental impacts including reduction of oxygen in the water, which affects aquatic life.
Suffolk will undertake three supplemental environmental projects under this settlement, including two water quality monitoring projects and one habitat protection project. Suffolk will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to conduct monthly baseline and targeted water quality sampling throughout the Mystic River watershed and will work with the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) to conduct a Saugus River watershed sampling program. Both the Mystic River watershed and Saugus River watershed data will be available to the public for free on the MyRWA and SRWC websites. Suffolk will also construct a habitat protection boardwalk in the Belle Isle Marsh, which is immediately downstream of the Suffolk Downs facility and represents one of the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Boston Harbor. The Belle Isle Marsh encompasses 275 acres of salt marsh, salt meadow, and tidal flats, and is part of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground waters of the United States is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013.The initiative focuses on large and medium sized CAFOs that are discharging pollution without or in violation of a permit.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/sterlingsuffolk.html
R141
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2012
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC will pay a civil penalty of $1.25 million to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Suffolk Downs racetrack facility in Revere and East Boston, Mass. The company is also spending more than $3 million to prevent polluted water from entering nearby waterways and will perform three environmental projects worth approximately $742,000 that will provide water quality monitoring and protection efforts for more than 123 square miles of watershed. The terms of the settlement are contained in a consent decree lodged in federal court in Boston today.
The federal complaint alleges that Suffolk allowed polluted wastewater, including horse manure, urine and bedding material, to discharge into Sales Creek, a tributary of Belle Isle Inlet and Boston Harbor. In addition, the federal complaint alleges that Suffolk operated its concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), which stables race horses from March through November, without a permit under the CWA.
“This settlement reduces a major source of pollution into Boston Harbor,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “In addition, the settlement’s environmental projects include monitoring water quality in the harbor’s watershed, helping to protect a valuable urban waterway for the use and enjoyment of Boston area residents and visitors.”
“Today’s agreement will prevent further discharges of wastewater from Suffolk Downs into local waterways and will bring the racetrack into compliance with the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s streams, wetlands and rivers from the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The settlement also brings lasting benefits to residents and the environment by requiring water quality monitoring in the Mystic and Saugus river watersheds and a salt marsh habitat protection project near the racetrack.”
In response to EPA’s enforcement at this facility, Suffolk is completing construction of a wastewater collection system, is making improvements to its stormwater collection system and has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Suffolk will minimize the volume of and properly manage the wastewater it produces, which will now be collected in a detention pond and discharged during non-peak hours to the sanitary sewer system. Suffolk will also implement green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to address stormwater discharges from the racetrack and maintenance areas of the facility. These techniques involve the use of natural or engineered systems to direct stormwater to areas where it can be stored, infiltrated, evapotranspirated, or reused.
EPA inspections revealed that Suffolk Down’s process wastewater discharged from the facility to Sales Creek during dry and wet weather. EPA inspectors observed stormwater contaminated with manure and turbid, brown runoff being discharged from the facility to Sales Creek. Sampling conducted at various outfalls discharging from the Suffolk Downs facility indicated elevated levels of pollutants, including ammonia, suspended solids and bacteria. Animal wastes contain excessive levels of nutrients and pathogens, which produce adverse environmental impacts including reduction of oxygen in the water, which affects aquatic life.
Suffolk will undertake three supplemental environmental projects under this settlement, including two water quality monitoring projects and one habitat protection project. Suffolk will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to conduct monthly baseline and targeted water quality sampling throughout the Mystic River watershed and will work with the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) to conduct a Saugus River watershed sampling program. Both the Mystic River watershed and Saugus River watershed data will be available to the public for free on the MyRWA and SRWC websites. Suffolk will also construct a habitat protection boardwalk in the Belle Isle Marsh, which is immediately downstream of the Suffolk Downs facility and represents one of the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Boston Harbor. The Belle Isle Marsh encompasses 275 acres of salt marsh, salt meadow, and tidal flats, and is part of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground waters of the United States is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013.The initiative focuses on large and medium sized CAFOs that are discharging pollution without or in violation of a permit.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/sterlingsuffolk.html
R141
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
Press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2012
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC will pay a civil penalty of $1.25 million to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Suffolk Downs racetrack facility in Revere and East Boston, Mass. The company is also spending more than $3 million to prevent polluted water from entering nearby waterways and will perform three environmental projects worth approximately $742,000 that will provide water quality monitoring and protection efforts for more than 123 square miles of watershed. The terms of the settlement are contained in a consent decree lodged in federal court in Boston today.
The federal complaint alleges that Suffolk allowed polluted wastewater, including horse manure, urine and bedding material, to discharge into Sales Creek, a tributary of Belle Isle Inlet and Boston Harbor. In addition, the federal complaint alleges that Suffolk operated its concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), which stables race horses from March through November, without a permit under the CWA.
“This settlement reduces a major source of pollution into Boston Harbor,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “In addition, the settlement’s environmental projects include monitoring water quality in the harbor’s watershed, helping to protect a valuable urban waterway for the use and enjoyment of Boston area residents and visitors.”
“Today’s agreement will prevent further discharges of wastewater from Suffolk Downs into local waterways and will bring the racetrack into compliance with the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s streams, wetlands and rivers from the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The settlement also brings lasting benefits to residents and the environment by requiring water quality monitoring in the Mystic and Saugus river watersheds and a salt marsh habitat protection project near the racetrack.”
In response to EPA’s enforcement at this facility, Suffolk is completing construction of a wastewater collection system, is making improvements to its stormwater collection system and has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Suffolk will minimize the volume of and properly manage the wastewater it produces, which will now be collected in a detention pond and discharged during non-peak hours to the sanitary sewer system. Suffolk will also implement green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to address stormwater discharges from the racetrack and maintenance areas of the facility. These techniques involve the use of natural or engineered systems to direct stormwater to areas where it can be stored, infiltrated, evapotranspirated, or reused.
EPA inspections revealed that Suffolk Down’s process wastewater discharged from the facility to Sales Creek during dry and wet weather. EPA inspectors observed stormwater contaminated with manure and turbid, brown runoff being discharged from the facility to Sales Creek. Sampling conducted at various outfalls discharging from the Suffolk Downs facility indicated elevated levels of pollutants, including ammonia, suspended solids and bacteria. Animal wastes contain excessive levels of nutrients and pathogens, which produce adverse environmental impacts including reduction of oxygen in the water, which affects aquatic life.
Suffolk will undertake three supplemental environmental projects under this settlement, including two water quality monitoring projects and one habitat protection project. Suffolk will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to conduct monthly baseline and targeted water quality sampling throughout the Mystic River watershed and will work with the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) to conduct a Saugus River watershed sampling program. Both the Mystic River watershed and Saugus River watershed data will be available to the public for free on the MyRWA and SRWC websites. Suffolk will also construct a habitat protection boardwalk in the Belle Isle Marsh, which is immediately downstream of the Suffolk Downs facility and represents one of the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Boston Harbor. The Belle Isle Marsh encompasses 275 acres of salt marsh, salt meadow, and tidal flats, and is part of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground waters of the United States is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013.The initiative focuses on large and medium sized CAFOs that are discharging pollution without or in violation of a permit.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/sterlingsuffolk.html
R141
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2012
Clean Water Act Settlement Ensures That Boston Racetrack Addresses Wastewater and Stormwater Discharges
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC will pay a civil penalty of $1.25 million to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its Suffolk Downs racetrack facility in Revere and East Boston, Mass. The company is also spending more than $3 million to prevent polluted water from entering nearby waterways and will perform three environmental projects worth approximately $742,000 that will provide water quality monitoring and protection efforts for more than 123 square miles of watershed. The terms of the settlement are contained in a consent decree lodged in federal court in Boston today.
The federal complaint alleges that Suffolk allowed polluted wastewater, including horse manure, urine and bedding material, to discharge into Sales Creek, a tributary of Belle Isle Inlet and Boston Harbor. In addition, the federal complaint alleges that Suffolk operated its concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), which stables race horses from March through November, without a permit under the CWA.
“This settlement reduces a major source of pollution into Boston Harbor,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “In addition, the settlement’s environmental projects include monitoring water quality in the harbor’s watershed, helping to protect a valuable urban waterway for the use and enjoyment of Boston area residents and visitors.”
“Today’s agreement will prevent further discharges of wastewater from Suffolk Downs into local waterways and will bring the racetrack into compliance with the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s streams, wetlands and rivers from the impacts of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The settlement also brings lasting benefits to residents and the environment by requiring water quality monitoring in the Mystic and Saugus river watersheds and a salt marsh habitat protection project near the racetrack.”
In response to EPA’s enforcement at this facility, Suffolk is completing construction of a wastewater collection system, is making improvements to its stormwater collection system and has applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Suffolk will minimize the volume of and properly manage the wastewater it produces, which will now be collected in a detention pond and discharged during non-peak hours to the sanitary sewer system. Suffolk will also implement green infrastructure and low impact development techniques to address stormwater discharges from the racetrack and maintenance areas of the facility. These techniques involve the use of natural or engineered systems to direct stormwater to areas where it can be stored, infiltrated, evapotranspirated, or reused.
EPA inspections revealed that Suffolk Down’s process wastewater discharged from the facility to Sales Creek during dry and wet weather. EPA inspectors observed stormwater contaminated with manure and turbid, brown runoff being discharged from the facility to Sales Creek. Sampling conducted at various outfalls discharging from the Suffolk Downs facility indicated elevated levels of pollutants, including ammonia, suspended solids and bacteria. Animal wastes contain excessive levels of nutrients and pathogens, which produce adverse environmental impacts including reduction of oxygen in the water, which affects aquatic life.
Suffolk will undertake three supplemental environmental projects under this settlement, including two water quality monitoring projects and one habitat protection project. Suffolk will work with the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) to conduct monthly baseline and targeted water quality sampling throughout the Mystic River watershed and will work with the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) to conduct a Saugus River watershed sampling program. Both the Mystic River watershed and Saugus River watershed data will be available to the public for free on the MyRWA and SRWC websites. Suffolk will also construct a habitat protection boardwalk in the Belle Isle Marsh, which is immediately downstream of the Suffolk Downs facility and represents one of the largest remaining areas of salt marsh in Boston Harbor. The Belle Isle Marsh encompasses 275 acres of salt marsh, salt meadow, and tidal flats, and is part of the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).
Preventing animal waste from contaminating surface and ground waters of the United States is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives for 2011-2013.The initiative focuses on large and medium sized CAFOs that are discharging pollution without or in violation of a permit.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/sterlingsuffolk.html
R141
Petco Petroleum Corporation Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
Petco Petroleum
Corporation Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
(DALLAS – August
22, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency has fined
the Petco Petroleum Corporation of Hinsdale, Illinois, $3,650 for violating
federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined
under the Clean Water Act.
A March 31, 2012,
EPA inspection of its Jemima Richard oil production facility located on Highway
33 in Drumright, Creek County, Oklahoma, revealed personnel working at the
facility had no training on the operation and maintenance of equipment to
prevent discharges, discharge procedure protocols, or training on applicable
pollution control laws, rules and regulations. The inspection also found spill
prevention briefings were not scheduled and conducted periodically, visual
inspections of containers, foundation and supports were not conducted as
required by SPCC regulations and above ground valves and pipelines were not
examined on a scheduled basis for general condition.
As part of an
Expedited Settlement Agreement with the EPA, the facility has provided
certification that all identified deficiencies have been corrected.
SPCC
regulations require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide
oil spill prevention, preparedness and countermeasures to prevent oil
discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a
spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of
water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is available
at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
# #
#
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Breck Operating Corporation Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
Breck Operating Corporation Fined for Violating
the Clean Water Act
(DALLAS – August 15, 2012) The Environmental Protection
Agency has fined the Breck Operating Corporation of Breckenridge, Texas,
$2,250 for violating federal Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC)
regulations at two of its oil production facilities.
On June 7, 2012, an EPA inspection at the
facilities found numerous violations including; inadequate or no description of
drainage controls, no information and procedures for reporting a discharge and
inadequate discussion of spill prevention procedures. The inspections also
revealed the facilities had no facility diagram, no contingency plan and no
written commitment of manpower, equipment and materials.
The facilities inspected and fined were:
G.H. Newsom oil production facility, Jack
County, Texas, $1,125
J. H. Holden oil production facility, Jack
County, Texas, $1,125
As part of an Expedited Settlement Agreement
with the EPA, the corporation has provided certification that all identified
deficiencies have been corrected.
SPCC regulations require onshore production
and bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill prevention, control and
countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our
nation’s water quality since a spill of one gallon of oil can contaminate one
million gallons of water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is
available at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
# # #
Friday, August 10, 2012
Cox Operating, LLC, Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
Cox Operating, LLC, Fined
for Violating the Clean Water Act
(DALLAS – August
10, 2012) The Environmental Protection Agency has fined
Cox Operating, LLC, of New Orleans, Louisiana, $29,400 for violating federal
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations at two of its oil
production facilities in Louisiana.
A January 24,
2012, inspection at the facilities found numerous violations including failure
to conduct adequate self-inspections as required by SPCC regulations, failure to
provide adequate documentation of SPCC training and failure to provide adequate
secondary containment and oil collection equipment.
The oil production
facilities inspected and fined were:
Chandler Sound
Block 71 Facility, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, $20,300
Eloi Bay Central
Facility, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, $9,100
SPCC regulations
require onshore production and bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill
prevention, control and countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC
program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a spill of one gallon of
oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is available
at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
# #
#
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
EPA Reaches Agreement with Carmeuse Lime to Control Dust from its Chicago Plant
Press release:
For Immediate Release
No. 12-OPA061
EPA Reaches Agreement with Carmeuse Lime to
Control Dust from its Chicago Plant
Chicago (Aug. 7, 2012 ) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached agreement with Carmeuse Lime, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to resolve Clean Air Act violations at its Chicago lime manufacturing facility. The company will pay a $350,000 fine and spend $125,000 on lead abatement in south side neighborhoods.
“As a result of this agreement, residents of Chicago’s south side will breathe cleaner air and children will be protected from lead contamination,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman.
EPA and the City of Chicago conducted a joint inspection of the Carmeuse plant in response to complaints from local residents about excess dust. The inspection revealed poor maintenance at the facility, which led to the release of dust into the surrounding neighborhood.
The consent decree requires Carmeuse to upgrade and replace equipment and to improve maintenance and housekeeping practices. By implementing these changes, which have been/will be incorporated in the facility's air permit, Carmeuse will dramatically reduce the amount of dust released into the neighborhood.
Under terms of the consent decree, Carmeuse will also hire a nonprofit organization to install new energy-efficient windows in neighborhood homes that have window frames with lead-based paint. Window replacements will occur in the houses of low income residents with young children in the Englewood, West Englewood and South Chicago neighborhoods.
Carmeuse is a major lime producer, with 35 facilities in the United States and Canada.
Chicago (Aug. 7, 2012 ) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached agreement with Carmeuse Lime, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to resolve Clean Air Act violations at its Chicago lime manufacturing facility. The company will pay a $350,000 fine and spend $125,000 on lead abatement in south side neighborhoods.
“As a result of this agreement, residents of Chicago’s south side will breathe cleaner air and children will be protected from lead contamination,” said EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman.
EPA and the City of Chicago conducted a joint inspection of the Carmeuse plant in response to complaints from local residents about excess dust. The inspection revealed poor maintenance at the facility, which led to the release of dust into the surrounding neighborhood.
The consent decree requires Carmeuse to upgrade and replace equipment and to improve maintenance and housekeeping practices. By implementing these changes, which have been/will be incorporated in the facility's air permit, Carmeuse will dramatically reduce the amount of dust released into the neighborhood.
Under terms of the consent decree, Carmeuse will also hire a nonprofit organization to install new energy-efficient windows in neighborhood homes that have window frames with lead-based paint. Window replacements will occur in the houses of low income residents with young children in the Englewood, West Englewood and South Chicago neighborhoods.
Carmeuse is a major lime producer, with 35 facilities in the United States and Canada.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Three Utah facilities to pay penalties for Risk Management Program violations
Press release:
(Denver, Colo. - Aug 6, 2012) Three facilities in Utah -- Utah Olympic Park (Park City), Duchesne Valley Water Treatment Plant (Duchesne), and Ashley Valley Water Treatment Plant (Vernal) -- have agreed to pay civil penalties and correct violations associated with the safe management and use of hazardous chemicals.
Three Utah facilities to pay penalties for Risk
Management Program violations
Clean Air Act requirements designed to prevent
accidental releases of hazardous chemicals
Contacts: David Cobb, 303-312-6592; Richard
Mylott, 303-312-6654
(Denver, Colo. - Aug 6, 2012) Three facilities in Utah -- Utah Olympic Park (Park City), Duchesne Valley Water Treatment Plant (Duchesne), and Ashley Valley Water Treatment Plant (Vernal) -- have agreed to pay civil penalties and correct violations associated with the safe management and use of hazardous chemicals.
The penalties, collectively totaling $11,650 at
all three sites, were assessed under the federal Clean Air Act which requires
the development of Risk Management Programs for all public and private
facilities that manufacture, process, use, store, or otherwise handle flammable
and toxic chemicals such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia.
"These requirements ensure that facilities have up-to-date procedures in place to prevent and respond to releases of toxic chemicals used on-site,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s Enforcement Director in Denver. “Failure to comply with these requirements can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases."
"These requirements ensure that facilities have up-to-date procedures in place to prevent and respond to releases of toxic chemicals used on-site,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s Enforcement Director in Denver. “Failure to comply with these requirements can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases."
By agreeing to the settlements, all three
facilities have certified that they are now in compliance with federal Risk
Management Program regulations. Utah Olympic Park will pay total penalties of
$7,000. Duchesne Valley Water Treatment Plant will pay total penalties of
$2,470. Ashley Valley Water Treatment Plant will pay total penalties of $2,180.
Duchesne Valley and Ashley Valley are both owned and operated by the Central
Utah Water Conservancy District.
EPA
inspected the three facilities in 2011 and found various violations of Risk
Management Program regulations designed to prevent accidental chemical releases
and minimize the impact of releases or other accidents that may occur. The three
Utah facilities are subject to these regulations because they store highly toxic
chemicals above regulatory thresholds.
The
establishment of effective risk management plans help companies, industries and
municipalities operate responsibly, assist emergency responders by providing
vital information necessary to address accidents and other incidents, protect
the environment by preventing and minimizing damage from accidental releases,
and keep communities safer.
For more information on the Clean Air Act and
risk management requirements: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/caa_faqs.htm
Colorado ethanol plant to pay $5,850 penalty for Risk Management Program violations
Press release:
(Denver, Colo. - Aug 6, 2012) Yuma Ethanol, LLC has agreed to pay a $5,850 civil penalty and correct violations relating to the storage and use of toxic and flammable substances at its ethanol plant in Yuma, Colorado. An EPA inspection of the plant in October 2011 found the company had violated Risk Management Program regulations under the Clean Air Act. By agreeing to the settlement announced today, the company has certified that the facility is now in compliance with these regulations.
"These requirements ensure that facilities have up-to-date procedures in place to prevent and respond to releases of toxic chemicals used on-site,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s Enforcement Director in Denver. “Failure to comply with these requirements can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases."
EPA enforces the Risk Management Program regulations of the Clean Air Act with the goal of preventing accidental chemical releases and minimizing the impact of releases or other accidents that may occur. The establishment of effective risk management plans helps companies, industries and municipalities operate responsibly, assists emergency responders by providing vital information necessary to address accidents and other incidents, protects the environment by preventing and minimizing damage from accidental releases, and keeps communities safer.
Colorado ethanol plant to pay $5,850 penalty for
Risk Management Program violations
Clean Air Act requirements designed to prevent
accidental releases of toxic chemicals
Contacts: David Cobb, 303-312-6592; Richard
Mylott, 303-312-6654
(Denver, Colo. - Aug 6, 2012) Yuma Ethanol, LLC has agreed to pay a $5,850 civil penalty and correct violations relating to the storage and use of toxic and flammable substances at its ethanol plant in Yuma, Colorado. An EPA inspection of the plant in October 2011 found the company had violated Risk Management Program regulations under the Clean Air Act. By agreeing to the settlement announced today, the company has certified that the facility is now in compliance with these regulations.
"These requirements ensure that facilities have up-to-date procedures in place to prevent and respond to releases of toxic chemicals used on-site,” said Mike Gaydosh, EPA’s Enforcement Director in Denver. “Failure to comply with these requirements can leave the public and environment at risk from accidental releases."
Under the Clean Air Act, the Yuma Ethanol
facility was required to maintain a risk management plan because it exceeded the
10,000-pound storage threshold for anhydrous ammonia, an extremely hazardous
chemical, and natural gasoline, a flammable substance used to denature ethanol.
Yuma Ethanol was storing approximately 97,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at the
time of the EPA inspection.
This enforcement action will benefit the community, which includes minority and low-income areas. Minority populations comprise nearly half of the residents within a five-mile radius of the facility and 45 percent are below poverty level. Approximately 35 percent of the area’s population is Hispanic.
This enforcement action will benefit the community, which includes minority and low-income areas. Minority populations comprise nearly half of the residents within a five-mile radius of the facility and 45 percent are below poverty level. Approximately 35 percent of the area’s population is Hispanic.
EPA enforces the Risk Management Program regulations of the Clean Air Act with the goal of preventing accidental chemical releases and minimizing the impact of releases or other accidents that may occur. The establishment of effective risk management plans helps companies, industries and municipalities operate responsibly, assists emergency responders by providing vital information necessary to address accidents and other incidents, protects the environment by preventing and minimizing damage from accidental releases, and keeps communities safer.
For more
information on the Clean Air Act and risk management requirements: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/caa_faqs.htm
Friday, August 3, 2012
Supervisor of Michigan Town Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
Press release:
MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Kika, 202-564-0906, kika.stacy@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 12-OPA060
Supervisor of Michigan Town Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
WASHINGTON (August 3, 2012) - William Morgan, the former supervisor of Royal Oak Township, a suburb of Detroit, was sentenced in federal court to three years in prison. Mr. Morgan had previously entered a guilty plea to charges that he conspired to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), violate the Clean Air Act’s asbestos requirements, and commit bribery. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems.
"It is reprehensible that a public official made asbestos abatement decisions based on a bribe, not on what was needed to protect the health of the community,” said Randall Ashe, special agent in charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Michigan. “The sentence shows that government officials who attempt to line their pockets rather than carry out their responsibilities honestly will be prosecuted to the full extent to the law.”
“Any public official, in city or suburb, who works to enrich himself at the expense of the public will be detected and prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said. “It is particularly disturbing when an official not only takes bribes but also endangers community health and the environment by allowing the bribes to influence abatement decisions.”
Morgan’s criminal conduct involved the awarding of a contract and distribution of federal funds that were intended to be used by communities for the improvement of blighted areas by removing dilapidated buildings. The funding was received through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Morgan, in addition to being Township supervisor, was also Royal Oak’s coordinator for NSP.
Prior to the awarding of the contract, Morgan had received a $10,000 bribe from Sureguard/PBM, one of the companies that submitted a bid for the demolition and asbestos removal of an abandoned theater on Eight Mile road. In return for the bribe, Morgan attempted to steer the contract to Sureguard/PBM. Despite Morgan’s efforts, Royal Oak’s Board of Supervisors awarded the contract to another company, which had submitted a lower bid.
During the demolition process, Morgan asked for and received cash payments of $500 and $1,000 from the owner of the company that had won the contract. Morgan received these payments under the belief that they were in return for his approval of a change order covering the asbestos abatement that fraudulently inflated the cost of the work.
One of Morgan’s co-conspirators, Terrance Parker, received a sentence of 21 months. Two other co-conspirators, Kendrick Covington and Marcus Brown have yet to be sentenced.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), HUD’s Office of the Inspector General and EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
More information about EPA’s criminal enforcement program: http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/criminal/index.html.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Kika, 202-564-0906, kika.stacy@epa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 12-OPA060
Supervisor of Michigan Town Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
WASHINGTON (August 3, 2012) - William Morgan, the former supervisor of Royal Oak Township, a suburb of Detroit, was sentenced in federal court to three years in prison. Mr. Morgan had previously entered a guilty plea to charges that he conspired to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), violate the Clean Air Act’s asbestos requirements, and commit bribery. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause serious health problems.
"It is reprehensible that a public official made asbestos abatement decisions based on a bribe, not on what was needed to protect the health of the community,” said Randall Ashe, special agent in charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Michigan. “The sentence shows that government officials who attempt to line their pockets rather than carry out their responsibilities honestly will be prosecuted to the full extent to the law.”
“Any public official, in city or suburb, who works to enrich himself at the expense of the public will be detected and prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade said. “It is particularly disturbing when an official not only takes bribes but also endangers community health and the environment by allowing the bribes to influence abatement decisions.”
Morgan’s criminal conduct involved the awarding of a contract and distribution of federal funds that were intended to be used by communities for the improvement of blighted areas by removing dilapidated buildings. The funding was received through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Morgan, in addition to being Township supervisor, was also Royal Oak’s coordinator for NSP.
Prior to the awarding of the contract, Morgan had received a $10,000 bribe from Sureguard/PBM, one of the companies that submitted a bid for the demolition and asbestos removal of an abandoned theater on Eight Mile road. In return for the bribe, Morgan attempted to steer the contract to Sureguard/PBM. Despite Morgan’s efforts, Royal Oak’s Board of Supervisors awarded the contract to another company, which had submitted a lower bid.
During the demolition process, Morgan asked for and received cash payments of $500 and $1,000 from the owner of the company that had won the contract. Morgan received these payments under the belief that they were in return for his approval of a change order covering the asbestos abatement that fraudulently inflated the cost of the work.
One of Morgan’s co-conspirators, Terrance Parker, received a sentence of 21 months. Two other co-conspirators, Kendrick Covington and Marcus Brown have yet to be sentenced.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), HUD’s Office of the Inspector General and EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division.
More information about EPA’s criminal enforcement program: http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/criminal/index.html.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Martin Operating Partnership in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, Fined for Violating the Clean Water Act
Press release:
Martin Operating
Partnership in Cameron
Parish, Louisiana,
Fined for Violating the Clean Water
Act
(DALLAS – August
2, 2012) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined
Martin Operating Partnership in Cameron, Louisiana, $14,400 for violating
federal Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations outlined
under the Clean Water Act.
A February 28,
2012, federal inspection of the partnership’s Cameron 7 Terminal located in
Cameron Parish, Louisiana, revealed the facility failed to properly manage
retained stormwater from inside diked areas and failed to keep the diked area
rainwater bypass valve in a closed and sealed position. The inspection also
found the terminal’s SPCC plan failed to provide an adequate schedule for tank
integrity testing, and the required facility diagram failed to list all oil
tankage at the terminal.
SPCC regulations
require onshore oil production and bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill
prevention, control and countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC
program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a spill of only one
gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.
Additional information on SPCC regulations is available
at: http://www.epa.gov/oilspill
# # #
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Hopewell, Va., Company to Pay $175,000 Penalty to Settle Clean Air Act Violations at Manufacturing Facility
Press release:
Hopewell, Va., Company
to Pay $175,000 Penalty to Settle
Clean Air Act Violations
at Manufacturing Facility
PHILADELPHIA (July 31, 2012) --
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Hercules Incorporated has
agreed to pay a $175,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of federal
environmental laws in the processing of cellulose fiber at its Hopewell, Va.,
plant.
According to the United
States' complaint, Hercules allegedly failed to adequately demonstrate
compliance with the national emission standard for hazardous air pollutants for
cellulose products manufacturing and violated related regulations on leak
detection and repair.
Cellulose fiber is the
main raw material used in the manufacturing processes conducted at the facility,
located at 1111 Hercules Road. The cellulose is treated with various chemicals,
and gaseous and particulate by-products are vented and treated by air pollution
control devices. However, leakage of hazardous air pollutants into the
environment can occur at different points along the manufacturing process, for
example, at valves and vents.
Under a consent decree
that was lodged with the U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va. on July 2, 2012,
Hercules is required to comply with the Clean Air Act standard of "maximum
achievable control technology" (MACT) . This standard protects public health and
improves air quality by requiring facilities to use state-of-the-art technology
for reducing hazardous air pollutants. Hercules will spend approximately
$200,000 on the consent decree requirements, resulting in an estimated 150 tons
of hazardous air pollutants reduced per year. As part of the settlement,
Hercules has agreed to conduct additional testing, update its operating permit
to document testing and monitoring activities, and engage in a two-year enhanced
leak detection and repair program. The proposed settlement is subject to a
30-day public comment period and court approval.
This agreement is part
of an EPA national initiative to target and reduce illegal emissions of air
toxics and reduce excess emissions for facilities that have a significant impact
on air quality and health in residential areas. Industrial and commercial
facilities are required to implement leak detection and repair programs to
prevent the escape of hazardous air pollutants.
For more information,
please go to: http://epa.gov/ttn/atw/cellulose/cellfact.pdf.
Monday, July 30, 2012
EPA Public Hearing on Wetland Fill Permit Application for County Road 595 in Marquette, Michigan
Press release:
For Immediate Release No. 12-OPA 058
EPA Public Hearing on Wetland Fill Permit
Application for County Road 595 in Marquette, Michigan
CHICAGO (July 30, 2012) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing on August 28th to take comments on the Marquette County Road Commission’s application for a wetland fill permit for the construction of County Road 595. EPA scheduled the hearing at the request of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The Road Commission has proposed a new 21.5-mile primary county road, running north-south between U.S. Highway 41 and County Road Triple A, through Champion, Ely, Humbolt and Michigamme Townships. According to the application, construction would affect 25.81 acres of wetlands and would require the building of 22 stream crossings.
MDEQ has the authority to issue permits for projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for wetlands, lakes and streams. EPA’s role is to ensure that proposed projects comply with federal guidelines. At the hearing, EPA will take comments on two issues: (1) whether there are practical, alternate routes for the road which would have less impact on aquatic resources; and (2) proposals to mitigate damage to wetlands and streams.
Oral and written comments will be taken at the public hearing. EPA will hold an informational question-and-answer session immediately before the public hearing -- at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28. The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. Both will be held at Northern Michigan University, Don H. Bottums University Center, Ontario/Michigan/Huron Rooms, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette.
The public comment period started on July 27 and concludes on Sept. 4, 2012. Comments should be addressed to Melanie Haveman, U.S. EPA (WW-16J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or r5_cr595_comments@epa.gov. For questions or additional information, call EPA toll-free at 800-621-8431, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,week days. Related documents and information about the public hearing are available on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/region5/water/cr595.
The official records are also available at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St., Ishpeming.
CHICAGO (July 30, 2012) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing on August 28th to take comments on the Marquette County Road Commission’s application for a wetland fill permit for the construction of County Road 595. EPA scheduled the hearing at the request of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
The Road Commission has proposed a new 21.5-mile primary county road, running north-south between U.S. Highway 41 and County Road Triple A, through Champion, Ely, Humbolt and Michigamme Townships. According to the application, construction would affect 25.81 acres of wetlands and would require the building of 22 stream crossings.
MDEQ has the authority to issue permits for projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for wetlands, lakes and streams. EPA’s role is to ensure that proposed projects comply with federal guidelines. At the hearing, EPA will take comments on two issues: (1) whether there are practical, alternate routes for the road which would have less impact on aquatic resources; and (2) proposals to mitigate damage to wetlands and streams.
Oral and written comments will be taken at the public hearing. EPA will hold an informational question-and-answer session immediately before the public hearing -- at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28. The public hearing begins at 7 p.m. Both will be held at Northern Michigan University, Don H. Bottums University Center, Ontario/Michigan/Huron Rooms, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette.
The public comment period started on July 27 and concludes on Sept. 4, 2012. Comments should be addressed to Melanie Haveman, U.S. EPA (WW-16J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604-3590 or r5_cr595_comments@epa.gov. For questions or additional information, call EPA toll-free at 800-621-8431, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,week days. Related documents and information about the public hearing are available on EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/region5/water/cr595.
The official records are also available at the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St., Ishpeming.
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