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    Polluters (and Other Violators) of the Week
    (More like bi-weekly, actually)

    *True cases of environmental criminals and other violators of environmental laws, regulations and statutes from real court cases

    The EPA and its federal, state and local law enforcement partners investigate and prosecute significant and egregious violations of environmental laws. These investigations involve, but are not limited to, the illegal disposal of hazardous waste; the illegal discharge of pollutants to a water of the United States; the illegal importation of certain restricted or regulated chemicals into the United States; tampering with a drinking water supply; mail fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and money laundering relating to environmental criminal activities.

    People often ask us, "It seems like companies get away with polluting all the time, just look at Exxon and the Valdez!" While it may be true that some companies treat the environment, your community's well-being and your health like a doormat and act as though their crimes are nothing more than a public relations expense; individuals and companies are being caught all the time. And the penalties are severe! Follow Detective Joe Friday and read on to learn about the appalling gall of these jerks and their crimes.

    It is EHSO's opinion that our society's obsession with money and instant wealth, combined with a generally apathetic public, and politicians more concerned with polls than pollution is leading to an increase in pollution and deliberate polluters. If you suspect a persistent polluter in your area, email us (or click here to use the EPA's report a violator form ) for instructions to assist the EPA in catching him! To search a company's compliance history, click here!

    Disclaimer: The following news stories are all taken verbatim from EPA releases, so don'tthink of trying to sue us if you or your firm's name is here! We will WELCOME the publicity! Will your company?

    Pollution Cases in 2004

    See the news about the SEC indictment of Waste Management former senior officers - Dean Buntrock and Phil Rooney and others! These guys were doing "Enron" long before you ever heard of Enron!

    December 2004

    (12/16/2004) Historic settlement to reduce bacteria and sewage in D.C. rivers, would store sewer overflows underground for treatment later - WASHINGTON D.C. Historic milestone legal agreement filed in U. S. District Court here will set a new clean-water standard for American cities by nearly eliminating massive sewage overflows into the waterways of our nation's capital when it rains. The agreement creates a final plan to store rainwater and raw sewage from the district's combined sewer system in 10 miles of holding tunnels deep underground.
    (12/07/2004) Holland America Line Operating Company Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegal Discharge of 20,000 Gallons of Untreated Sewage into Juneau Harbor - HAL Maritime Ltd, an Operating Company of Holland America Line Cruise Ships, has agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges arising out of the negligent discharge of 20,000 gallons of untreated sewage into Juneau harbor from the cruise ship Ryndam in August 2002.
    (12/06/2004) E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company vs. Washington Works Facility, WV (PDF) - Today, EPA filed a new claim against DuPont seeking penalties for withholding the results of human blood sampling information that demonstrates levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in individuals living near a DuPont Facility in West Virginia. [ For more information ]
    Region 1 News
    (12/08/2004) Bridgeport, Conn. Company to Pay $25,123 for Clean Air Act Violations - BOSTON - A Bridgeport, Conn. company that makes aluminum parts has agreed to pay $25,123 over a one year period to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it violated federal air pollution regulations at its aluminum foundry and die casting facility in Bridgeport from September 2003 to June 2004.
    (12/08/2004) RI Real Estate Investor Agrees to Pay $20,000 to Settle Violations of Lead Disclosure Laws - BOSTON - Providence-based real estate investor Patrick C. Conley and three of his companies have agreed to pay $20,000 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they violated federal lead paint disclosure rules involving six houses in Providence, Central Falls and Narragansett
    (12/01/2004) EPA Settles Hazardous Waste Case with the State of Massachusetts Case Sparks Change in State Contractor Policy - BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation agreed this week to pay a cash penalty of $12,375, and spend an additional $80,000 to remove asbestos from historic buildings at Outer Brewster Island and open them to the public. The agreement settles a case brought last June by EPA's New England Office, alleging that the state violated federal hazardous waste laws in 2002. As a result of the case, the State changed its contractor liability policy for environmental testing.
    Region 2 News
    (12/03/2004) EPA Settlement Will Bring Yonkers Schools into Compliance With Asbestos Regulations - NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Continuing its work to ensure that schools in New York are complying with asbestos regulations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has reached an agreement with the Yonkers Public Schools system requiring it to spend at least $131,000 to bring all of its 43 schools into compliance with EPA asbestos in schools rules by September 2005.
    Region 3 News
    (12/16/2004) Historic settlement to reduce bacteria and sewage in D.C. rivers, would store sewer overflows underground for treatment later - WASHINGTON D.C. Historic milestone legal agreement filed in U. S. District Court here will set a new clean-water standard for American cities by nearly eliminating massive sewage overflows into the waterways of our nation's capital when it rains. The agreement creates a final plan to store rainwater and raw sewage from the district's combined sewer system in 10 miles of holding tunnels deep underground.
    (12/08/2004) EPA Cites Contractor and School District for Asbestos Violation at Newville, Pa. High School - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has cited Power Component Systems, Inc. (PCS), a Hanover, Maryland-based asbestos removal contractor, and the Big Spring School District for violating Clean Air Act asbestos regulations during May 2004 renovations of the Big Spring High School in Newville, Pa.
    (12/08/2004) Three Companies Settle Clean Water Act Case over Wetlands Violations in Suffolk, Va. - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that three companies have settled a Clean Water Act complaint over the unlawfully filling of protected wetlands in Suffolk, Virginia. J&J Clearing and Grading, Inc., Rountree Construction Company, Inc., and JSW Disposal Co. have agreed to pay a $32,500 penalty for the unpermitted filling of 8-3/4 acres of wetlands at J&Js property at 3979 Pughsville Rd., Suffolk, Va.
    (12/02/2004) K Steel Settles Lawsuit Over Environmental Violations at Butler Mill - Steelmaker to Pay $300,000 Penalty and $900,000 in Pollution Reduction Projects to Settle Hazardous Waste, Air and Water Pollution Violations - PHILADELPHIA - AK Steel has settled alleged environmental violations at the companys steel mill in Butler, Pa., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department announced today. In a proposed consent decree lodged in federal court today, AK Steel has agreed to a $1.2 million settlement consisting of a $300,000 penalty and $900,000 in projects which will reduce smog-producing ozone in Pennsylvania.
    Region 4 News
    (12/01/2004) U.S. And State of Tennessee Announce Clean Water Act Agreement with the Knoxville Utilities Board to Address Sewage Overflows - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation jointly announced today a comprehensive Clean Water Act settlement with the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB). The settlement will ensure the proper management, operation, and maintenance of KUB's sewer system including measures to prevent overflows of untreated sewage.
    Region 5 News
    (12/21/2004) EPA cites Coca-Cola Bottling of Wisconsin for failure to file and implement risk plan; proposes $121,137 fine - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Hondo Inc., doing business as Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Wisconsin. The company allegedly violated the Clean Air Act by not filing and implementing a risk management plan. EPA proposed a $121,137 fine. The facility is located at 11800 West Brown Deer Rd. in Milwaukee.
    (12/02/2004) EPA cites Kikkoman Foods for clean-air violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Kikkoman Foods Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's food-processing plant at Highway 14 and Six Corners Road, Walworth, Wis.
    Region 7 News
    (12/10/2004) ST. LOUIS COUNTY AND MISSOURI DEVELOPER CITED FOR CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS - EPA Region 7 finalized a settlement agreement Nov. 5, 2004, with St. Louis County (the County) and J.H. Berra Construction Co., Inc., (Berra) of St. Louis for violating Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
    Region 8 News
    (12/17/2004) EPA Region 8 collects $426,256 from 12 companies - DENVER -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Denver office collected penalties totaling $426,256 by settling cases against 12 companies that violated federal storm water regulations under the Clean Water Act while performing seven major construction projects in the greater Denver Metro area. Seven of the 12 violators are Colorado companies; however, all of the companies are doing business in Colorado.
    Region 9 News
    (12/30/2004) U.S. EPA fines Arizona water treatment facility for failing to maintain chemical risk plan - SAN FRANCISCO -- Last week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined the U.S. Department of the Interior $7,500 for failing to maintain its plan that outlines how its water treatment plant in Yuma, Ariz. will respond to accidental chemical releases, as required by the Clean Air Act.
    (12/21/2004) EPA fines Arizona mining company $80,000 for failing to report chemical releases - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined an Arizona mining company $80,000 for allegedly failing to report the correct amount of toxic chemicals released at its Hayden, Ariz. facility, a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (12/21/2004) EPA fines Nevada energy company for failing to develop chemical risk management plan - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settled a case today with a Washoe County, Nev. geothermal energy facility that requires the company to pay $3,000 for failing to have a plan that outlines how the facility will handle any accidental chemical releases, as required by The Clean Air Act.
    (12/21/2004) U.S. EPA orders Lucas and Mercier to correct Clean Water Act violations at La Mesa Eastridge Subdivision - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered developer Lucas and Mercier, Inc., of Vista, Calif., to correct stormwater discharge violations at the Eastridge Subdivision in La Mesa, near San Diego.
    (12/20/2004) U.S. EPA orders Burbank plating shop to sample soil for chromium cyanide contamination - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered All Metals Processing, a plating shop located in Burbank, Calif., to sample the soil surrounding its facility for possible chromium and cyanide contamination, for potential violations of federal hazardous waste law.
    (12/09/2004) EPA fines San Francisco importer for selling illegal mothballs - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined a San Francisco importer $3,960 for allegedly selling and distributing an unregistered pesticide, a violation of federal pesticide laws.
    (12/08/2004) U.S. EPA charges Kinder Morgan with Clean Water Act violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency charged Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act at its oil storage and terminal facility in Sparks, Nev.
    (12/01/2004) Texas petroleum company agrees to pay $90,000 to settle Safe Drinking Water violations on Navajo lands in Utah - SAN FRANCISCO -- An Amarillo, Texas-based petroleum company operating on Navajo lands in Utah recently agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $90,000 to settle violations of federal regulations.
    (12/01/2004) U.S. EPA orders Carson Pepsi bottling plant to comply with the federal Clean Water Act - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. to correct Clean Water Act violations at its bottling facility in Carson, Calif.
    Region 10 News
    (12/22/2004) Former Wrecking Yard Owner Arrested on Illegal Disposal Charges - Wei Guo Huang, also known as Larry Huang, of Kent, Wash., was arrested by Washington state patrol officers on Dec. 14 on state charges that he improperly disposed of waste petroleum products and crushed automobile batteries, failed to properly store hazardous waste, failed to notify state officials about hazardous waste spills and operated an automobile wrecking yard without a license.
    (12/07/2004) Holland America Line Operating Company Agrees to Plead Guilty to Illegal Discharge of 20,000 Gallons of Untreated Sewage into Juneau Harbor - HAL Maritime Ltd, an Operating Company of Holland America Line Cruise Ships, has agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges arising out of the negligent discharge of 20,000 gallons of untreated sewage into Juneau harbor from the cruise ship Ryndam in August 2002.

    November 2004

    (11/04/2004) Lane Construction Corp. Settles Clean Water Act Violations - PHILADELPHIA  Lane Construction Corp., based in Meriden, Conn., has settled alleged Clean Water Act violations at the companys asphalt plants in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

    (11/08/2004) U.S. EPA orders Nevada beef company to correct violations of federal water regulations - Boise, Idaho-based company illegally filled, diverted Elko County river.
    (11/08/2004) U.S. EPA settles federal water violations with Douglas County developer, landowner - SAN FRANCISCO  Last week a construction company and a local landowner paid the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a combined total of $6,000 to settle violations of federal stormwater requirements observed during construction of a new housing development in Douglas County, Nev.
    (11/04/2004) U.S. EPA settles with City of Industry metallic case manufacturer - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled for $14,383 with Anvil Cases, Inc., of the City of Industry, Calif., for allegedly filing chemical release forms late, a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (11/03/2004) EPA orders Clean Earth Co. to correct spill prevention violations - HONOLULU The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered Clean Earth Company to prepare and implement a plan to prevent any oil spills from its facility in the Puerto Rico area of Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
    Region 1 News
    (11/23/2004) Mass. College to Pay $75,000 Penalty and Complete Environmental Projects Worth $155,500 to Settle EPA Claims of Clean Water Act Violations - BOSTON - A college in Norton, Mass. has agreed to pay a $75,000 penalty and make environmental improvements worth $155,500 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it violated the Clean Water Act and caused harm to a nearby river.
    (11/23/2004) Rhode Island Building Co. Agrees to Pay $46,000 for PCB Violations in Conn. - BOSTON - A Rhode Island-based construction company has agreed to pay $46,750 to settle charges by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of improper handling and disposal of PCBs in soils during a construction project in New Haven, Conn. in December 2003.
    (11/22/2004) HUD and EPA Settle Case Against Massachusetts-based Landlord - 10,000 Apartments in Seven States and D.C. to Become Lead Safe - In one of the largest enforcement actions of its kind, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a Boston-based real estate company has agreed to remove lead paint hazards from approximately 10,400 apartments in seven states and the District of Columbia, and to pay a monetary penalty.
    Region 3 News
    (11/22/2004) Delaware Solid Waste Authority Settles Clean Air Act Violations at Wilmington Landfill - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) has settled alleged Clean Air Act violations at the Cherry Island Landfill, a DSWA landfill in Wilmington, Del.
    (11/08/2004) North Carolina Businessman Indicted for False Claims and Dumping in the Chesapeake Bay - PHILADELPHIA  On November 17, 2004, a federal grand jury in Norfolk, Va., returned an indictment of All State Environmental Dredging, Inc. and its president, Rudy J. Lanier, 54, of Sneads Ferry, N.C.
    (11/04/2004) Lane Construction Corp. Settles Clean Water Act Violations - PHILADELPHIA  Lane Construction Corp., based in Meriden, Conn., has settled alleged Clean Water Act violations at the companys asphalt plants in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
    Region 5 News
    (11/04/2004) EPA cites Degussa Engineered Carbons for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Degussa Engineered Carbons LP for alleged clean-air violations at the company's carbon black plant at 11135 State Rte. 7, Belpre, Ohio.
    (11/04/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Aexcel on clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Aexcel Corp., 7373 Production Dr., Mentor, Ohio, on alleged violations of federal architectural coating rules. Architectural coatings are paints and similar coverings used on building exteriors, pavements and curbs. EPA assessed a $20,000 penalty and the company agreed to complete a $51,000 environmental project.
    (11/03/2004) EPA cites ISG Cleveland for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 3, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited ISG Cleveland Inc. (formerly LTV Steel Co. Inc.) for alleged clean-air violations at the company's iron and steel production plant at 3060 Eggers Road, Cleveland, Ohio.
    (11/03/2004) EPA cites Spectro Alloys for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 3, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Spectro Alloys Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant at 13220 Doyle Path Road, Rosemount, Minn.
    (11/02/2004) EPA cites Elyria Recycling for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 2, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Elyria Recycling Co. for alleged violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the company's scrap processing facility at 800 Infirmary Road, Elyria, Ohio.
    (11/02/2004) EPA cites Pickens Plastics for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Nov. 2, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Pickens Plastics Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's plastic composite plants at 149 S. Cucumber St., Jefferson, Ohio, and at 4212 Anne Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio.
    (11/01/2004) EPA reaches $150,000 settlement with Ivan Zugalj resolving violations of lead-based paint disclosure rules - CHICAGO (Nov. 1, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has settled a complaint against Chicago landlord Ivan Zugalj for allegedly failing to warn tenants that their homes may contain lead-based paint hazards. Zugalj, an owner of apartment buildings on Chicago's south side, will pay a $150,000 penalty.
    Region 8 News
    (11/08/2004) EPA orders clean up of Loveland Pass fuel spill - Denver -- Today, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ordered CSH Trucking of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., to cleanup more than 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a company tanker truck that overturned on Loveland Pass last Friday.
    Region 9 News
    (11/08/2004) U.S. EPA orders Nevada beef company to correct violations of federal water regulations - Boise, Idaho-based company illegally filled, diverted Elko County river.
    (11/08/2004) U.S. EPA settles federal water violations with Douglas County developer, landowner - SAN FRANCISCO  Last week a construction company and a local landowner paid the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a combined total of $6,000 to settle violations of federal stormwater requirements observed during construction of a new housing development in Douglas County, Nev.
    (11/04/2004) U.S. EPA settles with City of Industry metallic case manufacturer - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled for $14,383 with Anvil Cases, Inc., of the City of Industry, Calif., for allegedly filing chemical release forms late, a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (11/03/2004) EPA orders Clean Earth Co. to correct spill prevention violations - HONOLULU The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered Clean Earth Company to prepare and implement a plan to prevent any oil spills from its facility in the Puerto Rico area of Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.
    Region 10 News
    (11/24/2004) Bellevue Company Pays $26,180 for Lead Reporting Violation - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that circuit-board assembler Printed Circuits Assembly Corporation (PCA) will pay a penalty of $26,180 for failing to report the use of lead at its Bellevue, Washington facility.
    (11/15/2004) National Environmental Enforcement Figures Include Alaska and Idaho Achievements - EPA enforcement actions concluded in fiscal year (FY) 2004 will reduce a projected one billion pounds of pollution and require cleanups estimated to total a record $4.8 billion  significant increases from last year.
    (11/12/2004) EPA Penalizes Ione Company $9,800 for Pesticides Violations - The Seattle office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Morrow County Grain Growers (MCGG), a farm supply company in Ione, Oregon, has agreed to pay $9,800 in penalties for violating federal pesticide laws.

    October 2004

    (10/14/2004) Bridge Project Manager Pleads Guilty in North Carolina - Michael E. Hillyer of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., project manager for Balfour Beatty Construction Inc. (BBC), a subsidiary of the United Kingdom-based Balfour Beatty, PLC, pleaded guilty on Oct. 5 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh, N.C., to conspiring to violate the Rivers and Harbors Act (RHA) and the Clean Water Act, and to a substantive violation of the RHA. As project manager for BBC, Hillyer oversaw the dredging of a portion of the Croatan Sound and supervised the discharge of the dredged spoil into the Sound in October 2002. BBC did not have a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to do this work. The violations occurred when BBC's employees removed a temporary load-out trestle that had been constructed in shallow water near Manns Harbor as part of the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge construction project. The five-mile bridge spans the Sound from Manns Harbor to Manteo. In order to get a crane to the trestle site, BBC employees used backwash from a tugboat propeller to cut a channel next to the trestle. As a result, 5500 cubic yards of dredged spoil was expelled from the channel and deposited on approximately 8.2 acres of habitat on the sound bottom. Croatan Sound has been designated as high quality waters, and covering habitat can injure fish and wildlife. When sentenced, Hillyer faces a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison and/or a maximum fine of up to $500,000. BBC and two other BBC employees have already pleaded guilty in this case. The case was investigated by the Charlotte Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

    (10/27/2004) Carroll Independent Fuel Co. Settles Underground Fuel Tank Violations at Eight Maryland Service Stations - Carroll Independent Fuel Co. Settles Underground Fuel Tank Violations at Eight Maryland Service Stations.
    (10/21/2004) EPA Cites Sheetz, Inc. For Underground Fuel Tank Violations in Winchester, Va. - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz, Inc., owner of two convenience and gas stores in Winchester, Va., for violating federal and state regulations designed to prevent fuel leaks from underground storage tanks.
    (10/13/2004) EPA cites Leed Foundry for hazardous waste and storm water violations - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Leed Foundry Inc. for violating hazardous waste and water pollution regulations at its iron foundry in St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pa.
    (10/12/2004) FMC Settles Hazardous Waste Violations in Baltimore - PHILADELPHIA  FMC Corporation has agreed to pay a $26,500 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at its manufacturing facility at 1701 E. Patapsco Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The FMC plant manufactures pesticides, herbicides and intermediate chemicals.
    (10/07/2004) Pennsylvania Company and Its President Charged in Clean Water Act Case - BEF Corp. of Allentown, Pa., and Elward Brewer of Englewood, Fla., BEF''s founder and president, were each charged on Sept. 22, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with allegedly violating the Clean Water Act by discharging silver-laden and acidic waste water into sewers operated by the City of Bethlehem, Pa., and the City of Allentown, Pa. BEF buys used one-hour photo-processing machines, refurbishes them and then resells them throughout the world. During the refurbishment process, BEF generates silver-laden and acidic wastewater. In addition BEF was also charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and with 12 counts of making false statements to the government. These charges stem from BEF''s exportation of goods to Iran, and from BEF''s alleged practice of discounting the fair market value of its photo labs on Shippers'' Export Declarations to help its international customers avoid paying import duties. Unlawfully disposing of metal laden and acidic waste water into sewers can damage sewage treatment equipment and can interfere with the proper treatment of sewage by sewage treatment facilities. The case was investigated by the Philadelphia office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security''s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Commerce Department''s Office of Export Enforcement and the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Investigative assistance was provided by the waste water treatment departments of the Borough of Catasauqua, the City of Bethelem, South Whitehall Township and the City of Allentown. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Philadelphia.
    (10/05/2004) EPA Settles Multi-Facility Enforcement Action with the Virginia Department of Corrections - PHILADELPHIA  The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) has settled a multi-facility enforcement action, which EPA initiated after finding significant violations during a multi-media inspection at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Greensville County, Virginia in May, 2003.
    (10/05/2004) Gemini Settles Toxic Chemical Reporting Violations in Harrisonburg - PHILADELPHIA  Gemini Industries, Inc. will pay a $10,000 penalty for alleged violations of federal toxic chemical reporting requirements at its Gemini Coatings manufacturing plant in Harrisonburg, Va., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
    (10/05/2004) Gerome Manufacturing Co. Settles Alleged Clean Air Act Violations at Uniontown, Pa. Plant - PHILADELPHIA  Gerome Manufacturing of Uniontown, Pa. has settled alleged Clean Air Act violations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. The companys facility, located on Oliver Road in Uniontown, manufactures custom sheet metal products such as enclosures, vehicle panels, and magnetic shields.
    (10/19/2004) Calabasas, Calif. facility agrees to pay U.S. EPA $42,299 to settle violations - LOS ANGELES - National Technical Systems, Inc., of Calabasas, Calif. recently agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $42,299 to settle violations of federal hazardous waste regulations.
    (10/19/2004) U.S. EPA puts eleven California companies, one Nevada company, on notice for violating toxics law - SAN FRANCISCO -- Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warned eleven waste transportation companies in California and one in Reno, Nevada that they must notify the agency prior to transporting waste containing PCBs or pay a $1,650 fine.
    (10/14/2004) Oakland, Calif. metal finisher agrees to pay the U.S. EPA $15,000 - SAN FRANCISCO -- Recently the previous owner of an abandoned metal plating facility in Oakland, Calif. agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $15,000 toward costs incurred by the agency to clean up vats, drums and containers of chemicals at the site three years ago.
    (10/14/2004) Oakland, Calif. metal finisher agrees to pay the U.S. EPA $15,000 - SAN FRANCISCO -- Recently the previous owner of an abandoned metal plating facility in Oakland, Calif. agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $15,000 toward costs incurred by the agency to clean up vats, drums and containers of chemicals at the site three years ago.
    (10/14/2004) U.S. EPA cracks down on illegal pesticide pet products - The EPA has initiated a multi-state effort to protect consumers from illegal pesticide products, most recently fining companies in three Western states a collective $748,000 for trafficking counterfeit and/or unregistered pet products. The EPA is seeking fines of $357,000 from Rizing Sun, LLC Peoria, Ariz. and $341,000 Pang & Son Distribution, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii. The third company, Tidalwave Distribution, Inc., of Torrance, Calif., recently agreed to settle with the EPA for $50,000.
    (10/13/2004) U.S. EPA settles with Guam company for importing unlabeled pesticide - SAN FRANCISCO - Quality Swimming Pools, Inc., of Tamuning, Guam, recently agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $4,160 to settle alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
    (10/13/2004) U.S. EPA settles with Guam company for importing unlabeled pesticide - SAN FRANCISCO - Quality Swimming Pools, Inc., of Tamuning, Guam, recently agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $4,160 to settle alleged violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
    (10/07/2004) U.S. EPA cites two businesses for selling illegal pesticides - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking $57,750 in fines from an Orange, Calif. firm and $40,400 in fines from a St. Louis firm for violations of federal pesticide laws.
    (10/07/2004) U.S. EPA fines Los Angeles company for selling unregistered pesticides - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined Los Angeles-based Vernon Sales Inc. $4,400 for allegedly selling unregistered pesticides in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
    (10/07/2004) U.S. EPA fines two South Lake Tahoe businesses $50,000 for asbestos removal - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled a case with two South Lake Tahoe business owners for $50,000 for improper asbestos removal, a violation of the Clean Air Act.
    October 2004 Region 2 News
    (10/29/2004) EPA Fines NYC & Chief Medical Examiner for Hazardous Waste Violations - NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a complaint and is seeking $67,511 in fines against New York City and its Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) for hazardous waste violations under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA uncovered the violations during an August 2003 inspection of the medical examiner's facility at 520 First Avenue in Manhattan. The OCME conducts investigations, including autopsies, into the deaths of people in the city who died in any suspicious or unusual manner.
    (10/27/2004) EPA Cites KMart for Selling Unregistered Garden Hose Pesticide Products - New York -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined the Kmart Corporation for selling a variety of garden hoses that claim to inhibit mold, fungus and bacteria growth.
    (10/27/2004) EPA Takes Action To Protect Puerto Rico's Shrinking Wetlands - NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Continuing its work to protect critical wetlands in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action against seven entities in Puerto Rico that have illegally filled wetlands to build houses, a warehouse for a hardware business and an industrial park.
    (10/13/2004) Vassar and EPA Reach Agreement on Hazardous Waste Violations - NEW YORK -- Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay a $43,087 penalty and carry out two supplemental environmental projects as a settlement for hazardous waste violations at the college. Vassar agreed to go beyond complying with environmental law by installing pollution reduction equipment in its biology and chemistry labs and conducting seminars and workshops for colleges, universities and high schools to help them avoid hazardous waste violations.

    October 2004 Region 6 News

    (10/07/2004) EPA, DEQ Reach Agreement with Dow to Protect Plaquemine Water Source - State and federal environmental agencies announced an agreement today with Dow Chemical Company to ensure the water source for Plaquemine, La., remains protected from contamination found in the ground-water north of the city. The city''s water system currently meets all state and federal health-based drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
    October 2004 Region 1 News
    (10/14/2004) EPA Issues Complaint Against Lewiston, Maine Property Owners for Failure to Disclose Lead Paint Hazards - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has issued a civil complaint against the owners and lessors of seven apartments in Lewiston, Maine for failing to properly notify renters of risks from exposure to lead paint, as required by federal law. The complaint includes a proposed penalty of $53,240.
    (10/14/2004) EPA Seeks Penalty of $46,000 From Food Company with Facility in Ellington, Conn. - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it is seeking a $46,408 penalty against Natural Country Farms for not immediately reporting a release of anhydrous ammonia from its juice packaging facility in Ellington, Conn. in violation of federal law.
    (10/14/2004) Massachusetts Yarn Company Sentenced on Clean Water Act Charges - Dutton Yarn company, L.P., a yarn processing facility in Lowell, Mass., was ordered to pay a $300,000 fine on Oct. 5 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston for violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). In June, Dutton Yarn agreed to plead guilty to two counts of violating the CWA. The company was charged with negligently discharging pollution that depleted oxygen levels in receiving water. Pollution that depletes oxygen harms fish and aquatic life. As part of the sentence, Dutton Yarn must also establish an environmental compliance program. The case was investigated by the Boston Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston.
    (10/13/2004) Maine Community College System Faces Fines for Hazardous Waste Violations - BOSTON  The Maine Community College System is facing fines of more than $200,000, stemming from violations in the storage and handling of hazardous materials at two campuses. The fines are being sought by EPA, and are contained in an administrative complaint and a compliance order issued recently by the Agency.
    (10/12/2004) Connecticut Fabric Manufacturer to Pay $95,200 for Clean Air Act Violations - BOSTON  A fabric manufacturer in Putnam, Conn., has agreed to pay a $95,200 penalty to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it violated federal and state air regulations.
    (10/12/2004) EPA Proposes $40,000 Penalty for Wastewater Treatment Violations in Holyoke - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $40,000 penalty against the city of Holyoke for failing to fully implement its EPA-approved industrial pretreatment program in accordance with its federal discharge permit and federal pretreatment regulations at the citys wastewater treatment plant.
    (10/07/2004) EPA Proposes $55,000 Penalty Against Rhode Island Company for PCB Violations in CT - BOSTON - The US Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has proposed a penalty of $55,000 against a Rhode Island-based construction company for improper handling and disposal of PCBs in soils during a construction project in New Haven, CT in December 2003.
    (10/07/2004) EPA Takes Enforcement Action Against Middlesex County for Clean Water Act Violations at Billerica Wastewater Treatment Plant - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is filing an administrative complaint and issuing a compliance order against Middlesex County Sheriffs Office and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for alleged Clean Water Act violations at their wastewater treatment plant.
    (10/07/2004) New Haven Property Owner Fined for Failure to Notify Tenants of Risks from Exposure to Lead Paint - BOSTON  The owner of several hundred residential apartment units situated in nine buildings in New Haven, CT, and the company that manages the buildings, has been issued a complaint by EPA and is ordered to pay a $115,940 penalty for failing to properly notify renters of risks from exposure to lead paint.
    (10/05/2004) Operator of Revere Oil Terminal Pays $50,000 Penalty for Failing to Get Storm Water Permit - BOSTON  The operator of an oil terminal in Revere, MA has agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that the company discharged storm water without a permit from its facility in Revere, in violation of federal environmental law.
    (10/04/2004) Hartford, CT Property Owner Agrees to $240,000 Settlement in Lead Paint Disclosure Case - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the owner and rental agent of Clemens Place, a 500-unit residential housing complex in Hartford, CT, has agreed to pay a $45,000 fine and undertake environmental projects worth $195,000 to settle claims that it failed to provide tenants required information regarding the possible presence of lead paint in their buildings.
    October 2004 Region 5 News
    (10/28/2004) EPA Reaches agreement with Morgan Advanced Ceramics - CHICAGO (Oct. 28, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Morgan Advanced Ceramics Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's manufacturing plant at 232 Forbes Road, Bedford, Ohio. EPA assessed a $133,342 penalty.
    (10/28/2004) EPA cites Grainger for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 28, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against W.W. Grainger Inc. for alleged violations of federal clean-air regulations designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The company has a facilities-maintenance products distribution center at 100 Grainger Road, Lake Forest, Ill.
    (10/26/2004) EPA cites Mercury Marine for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 26, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Mercury Marine for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant at W6250 Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, Wis.
    (10/26/2004) EPA reaches agreement with 3M on clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 26, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with 3M Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's chemical plant at 22614 Route 84 N., Cordova, Ill. EPA assessed a $27,500 penalty, and the company agreed to complete a $135,000 environmental project.
    (10/26/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Miller Compressing - CHICAGO (Oct. 26, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Miller Compressing Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant at 1640 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee, Wis. EPA assessed an $18,000 penalty, and the company agreed to complete a $70,000 environmental project.
    (10/21/2004) EPA cites CSN for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 21, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Companhia Siderurgica Nacional LLC for alleged clean-air violations at the company's steel plant at 455 W. Industrial Dr., Terre Haute, Ind.
    (10/18/2004) EPA cites GNW Aluminum for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 18, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited GNW Aluminum for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant at 1356 Harrisburg Road, Alliance, Ohio.
    (10/14/2004) Minnesota Warehouse/Supply Company Charged with Illegal Hazardous Waste Storage and Disposal - Roof Depot, which owned a store in Minneapolis, Minn., was charged on Sept. 27 in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis with allegedly violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In September 1998, the company allegedly brought several pallet-loads of hazardous waste roofing cement, strippers and solvents to its facility on 28th Street in Minneapolis and stored them behind some buildings under a tarp. In March 1999, a former operations manager for Roof Depot allegedly ordered employees to bury these hazardous wastes in an unloading dock area that the company was filling and grading. The case was investigated by the Minneapolis Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of Hennepin County Environmental Services. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minneapolis.
    (10/06/2004) EPA cites Aluminum Recovery Technologies for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Aluminum Recovery Technologies Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s aluminum recovery plant at 2170 Production Road, Kendallville, Ind. EPA proposed a $150,000 penalty.
    (10/06/2004) EPA cites B&B Metals for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited B&B Metals for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s aluminum recovery plant at 14520 Pioneer Road, Newton, Wis.
    (10/06/2004) EPA cites Cleveland Corp. for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 6, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Cleveland Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s scrap and salvage facility at 42810 N. Greenbay Road, Zion, Ill.
    (10/05/2004) EPA cites Allied Metal for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 5, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Allied Metal Co. for alleged clean-air violations at the companys aluminum recovery plant at 4528 W. Division St., Chicago, Ill.
    (10/05/2004) EPA notifies Citation Corp. of clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 5, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has notified Citation Corp. of alleged clean-air violations at the companys aluminum recovery plant at 6378 U.S. Highway 6 West, Butler, Ind.
    (10/04/2004) EPA cites BP Whiting refinery for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 4, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited BP Products North America Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s petroleum refinery at 2915 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, Ind.
    (10/04/2004) EPA cites Von Roll for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 4, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Von Roll America Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s commercial hazardous waste incinerator at 1250 St. George St., East Liverpool, Ohio. EPA has proposed a $59,400 penalty.
    (10/01/2004) EPA cites Nufarm Americas for pesticide export violations - CHICAGO (Oct. 1, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Nufarm Americas Inc., Chicago Heights, Ill., for improperly exporting unregistered pesticide products. A $33,000 penalty has been proposed
    October 2004 Region 10 News
    (10/12/2004) Trident Seafoods Corporation to Pay $18,000 Penalty for Fish Waste Violations - The Northwest office of the Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Trident Seafoods Corporation, which operates the Naknek Cannery in Naknek, has agreed to pay $18,000 in penalties for violating the federal Clean Water Act.
    (10/04/2004) Post Falls Company Pays $6,565 for Lead Reporting Violation - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that circuit-board assembler MOR Manufacturing Corporation will pay a penalty of $6,565 for failing to report use of lead at its Post Falls, Idaho facility. The penalty was reduced to reflect MORs cooperation during the inspection and enforcement process.
    October 2004 Region 8 News
    (10/14/2004) Wyoming Man Convicted of Clean Water Violations Affecting Indian Lands - John Hubenka, of Riverton, Wyo., was found guilty by a jury on Sept. 28 in U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming on charges that he built unpermitted dikes in the Wind River in violation of the Clean Water Act. The dikes altered the course of the river and this resulted in 300 acres of tribal lands being cut off from the Wind River Reservation. Between March 1999 and November 1999, Hubenka conducted and managed dredging and construction activities in various locations as part of building three earthen dikes. The defendant used earth moving equipment to discharge rock, sand and other dredge and fill material into the river. Unpermitted discharge of dredge and fill material into rivers can harm fish and wildlife and separating tribal lands from an Indian reservation can create an economic burden on Indians who wish to use the lands for agricultural or other economic purposes. The case was investigated by the Denver Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division with legal support from EPA Region 8 in Denver. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cheyenne.
    (10/05/2004) US EPA acts against developers - DENVER  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 is taking action against Sunset Development, LLC, Daniels Construction, Inc., and James P. Daniels, all of Tea, SD, for their destruction of wetlands and portions of a waterway in southwest Sioux Falls, Lincoln County, SD, while building a residential development called Sunset Ridge.

    September 2004

    (09/01/2004) Waste Disposal Company Owner Sentenced for Illegal Dumping in Alabama - Don Milton White, a private contractor from Mobile, Ala., was sentenced to six months in prison, three years probation and $20,000 in restitution to the U.S. EPA. In May, White pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. White contracted with the Escambia County Utility Authority in Florida to transport and dispose of wastes from its wastewater treatment facility. White illegally dumped the wastes, which included oils, tar, paint wastes, hydraulic fluid, solvents and other mixed materials, at separate locations in Mobile and in Baldwin County in Southern Alabama. Of the hundreds of gallons of wastes White illegally discarded, some contained highly corrosive liquid that is regulated as hazardous waste under federal law. Dumping waste oils, fluids and solvents on the ground can create a contamination hazard for humans and wildlife. Sentencing took place on Aug. 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama in Mobile. The case was investigated by the Jackson, Miss., Office of EPA''''s Criminal Investigation Division, EPA''''s Emergency Response Branch and the FBI. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''''s Office in Mobile and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

    (09/23/2004) Pennsylvania settles air complaints at Torrance State Hospital - PHILADELPHIA  Two Pennsylvania state agencies have settled alleged Clean Air Act violations at Torrance State Hospital, located in Torrance, Westmoreland County, Pa., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
    (09/09/2004) EPA cites unlawful filling of wetlands at Chesapeake, Va. housing site - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited the owner of a housing development site in Chesapeake, Va, for unlawfully filling protected wetlands.
    (09/09/2004) Stone Container Corp. Settles Air Pollution Violations at Pulp and Paper Plant in West Point, Va. - In Second Clean Air Act Settlement with U.S. and Virginia, Company Pledges to Pay $950,000 Penalty and Improve Air Pollution Controls - PHILADELPHIA  The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the Environmental Protection Agency and Justice Department today announced that the U.S. has settled alleged violations of federal and state air pollution control laws at the companys pulp and paper plant in West Point, Va.
    (09/08/2004) American Furniture Co. Settles Clean Air Act Violations at Martinsville, Va. Plant - PHILADELPHIA  American Furniture Company Inc. has settled alleged Clean Air Act violations at the companys manufacturing plant in Martinsville, Va., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.
    (09/01/2004) President of Pennsylvania Laboratory Convicted of Mail Fraud - Edward V. Kellogg, President, Quality Control Officer and owner of Johnson Laboratories Inc., in New Cumberland, Pa., was convicted of 34 counts of mail fraud for billing customers for false environmental test reports from May 1998 to July 2000. Johnson Laboratories was in the business of providing analytical testing of environmental samples of water and wastewater. The charges claimed that Kellogg caused environmental test results for Volatile Organic Chemicals to be falsely prepared and that he billed customers $9,722 for the fraudulent test results. Submitting false laboratory results can prevent pollution control programs from being effective. The conviction was handed down on Aug. 17 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Allentown, Pa. The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the EPA Office of Inspector General, the Environmental Crimes Section of the Pennsylvania Attorney General''s Office and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection''s Bureau of Laboratories. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Allentown.
    (09/30/2004) EPA seeking $341,000 from Hawai''i company for selling illegal pet products - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking penalties of up to $341,000 from Pang & Son, a company in Honolulu, HI, for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pet products, a violation of federal pesticide law.
    (09/30/2004) U.S. EPA fines two Ontario, Calif. companies for pesticide violations - SAN FRANCISCO  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined two Ontario, Calif. companies a combined total of $58,481 for violations of federal pesticide regulations.
    (09/30/2004) U.S. EPA seeking $357,000 from Arizona company for selling illegal pet products - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a penalty of up to $357,000 from Rizing Sun of Peoria, Ariz. for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pet products, a violation of federal pesticide law.
    (09/30/2004) U.S. EPA seeking $357,000 from Arizona company for selling illegal pet products - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a penalty of up to $357,000 from Rizing Sun of Peoria, Ariz. for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pet products, a violation of federal pesticide law.
    (09/30/2004) U.S. EPA settles with So. Calif. company for $50,000 for selling illegal pet products - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled for $50,000 with Tidalwave Distribution, Inc., of Torrance, Calif. for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered and misbranded pet products, a violation of federal pesticide law. As part of settlement, Tidalwave Distribution neither admits nor denies any wrongdoing.
    (09/30/2004) U.S. EPA settles with Stockton company for chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO  This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a $7,700 settlement with California Cedar Products Company for allegedly failing to report the amount of copper compounds the company processed at its Stockton, Calif. facility in 2001 and 2002 to the toxics release inventory, a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (09/29/2004) EPA waives fine after Arizona company discloses chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently waived a $48,674 fine against the Arizona Public Service Company of Joseph City, Ariz. after the company voluntarily reported that it had failed to submit previous reports and corrected its chemical release reporting violations.
    (09/29/2004) U.S. EPA seeks $154,000 from Oakland, Novato, Calif. facilities for selling unregistered, misbranded pesticides - SAN FRANCISCO -- This week U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is seeking $154,000 in penalties from an Oakland company and a Novato group for distributing unregistered and misbranded pesticides.
    (09/29/2004) U.S. EPA settles with Lodi company for chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO  -This week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a $31,403 settlement with Cottage Bakery, Inc. for allegedly failing to report the amount of ammonia the company released from its Lodi, Calif. facility in 2000, 2001 and 2003 to the toxics release inventory report, a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (09/28/2004) EPA files complaint against vegetable farmer for failing to protect field workers from pesticides - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today filed a complaint against a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based lettuce farmer for allegedly failing to provide worker protection from potentially harmful pesticidal exposure for its employees working in fields in Olathe, Colo.
    (09/24/2004) EPA settles with natural gas company for $57,750 for Clean Air Act violations on Navajo Land - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that a natural gas company has agreed to pay a $57,750 penalty to settle alleged Clean Air Act violations stemming from one of its New Mexico facilities.
    (09/24/2004) U.S. EPA fines Long Beach fiberglass firm $29,317 for hazardous waste violations - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Custom Fiberglass Manufacturing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., $29, 317 for multiple hazardous waste violations, including storing hazardous waste without a permit and failure to have a personnel training program, all violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
    (09/23/2004) EPA fines Alameda water district $46,000 over chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settled a case today with the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Zone 7 that requires the district to pay $10,912 in fines and $35,376 in new equipment for the county fire department for chemical release reporting violations at the Del Valle Water Treatment Plant.
    (09/22/2004) EPA settles wetlands enforcement case in Tulare County - SAN FRANCISCO -- As part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over wetlands violations along Cottonwood Creek north of Visalia, the Leyendekker family will convey a nearby 300-acre parcel of land to a regional land trust for permanent protection and management.
    (09/15/2004) EPA cites company for improper sale and distribution of pesticide to Nevada business - SAN FRANCISCO The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week cited a pesticide dealer $3,850 for improperly distributing and selling a restricted use pesticide to a non-certified applicator, a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
    (09/14/2004) EPA orders KB Home to cease work at Huntington subdivision - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week ordered KB Home to cease unauthorized work in waterways regulated by the federal government.
    (09/10/2004) United States files lawsuits against two Phoenix sand and gravel companies for ongoing dust violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- On behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Attorney''''s Office for Arizona today filed lawsuits seeking penalties from two Phoenix sand and gravel companies over alleged Clean Air Act violations.
    (09/08/2004) EPA completes three weeks of petroleum tank inspections aimed at increasing enforcement presence on Guam - HONOLULU -- A recent round of underground storage tank inspections on Guam by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency found the majority of gas stations, including SPPC, ExxonMobil, and Shell, meeting federal underground storage tank requirements.
    (09/08/2004) EPA fines Arizona fertilizer company $40,000 for Clean Air Act violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined an Arizona fertilizer company $40,000 for Clean Air Act violations at its nitric acid facility near Benson, Ariz.
    (09/01/2004) U.S. EPA settles with Los Angeles real estate firm for $25,000 for diesel fuel spill - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a $25,000 settlement with Arden Realty Limited Partnerships, of Los Angeles for failing to notify the proper authorities of a diesel fuel spill that reached the Los Angeles County Storm Drain System and Centinela Creek last October.
    September 2004 Region 6 News
    (09/09/2004) Louisiana Company and Former Acting Plant Manager Sentenced for Violating Clean Water Act - Industrial Zeolite Limited, a corporation that operates in LeCompte, La., and Emanuel Drouin of Marksville, La., former acting Plant Manager for Industrial Zeolite, were each sentenced on Sept. 1, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in Alexandria, La., for violating the Clean Water Act. Industrial Zeolite manufactures a product used in the production of detergents and other products. In February 2004, the company was charged with releasing 1.1 million gallons of wastewater exhibiting a high pH into a ditch that flows into the Callahan Bayou. Releasing water with a high pH can harm fish and wildlife which live in and use the bayou. The company was fined $1 million and required to pay $457,441.36 in remedial payments. The remedial payments will be used to offset the cost of the prosecution and provide local government agencies with training and equipment to deal with hazardous material spills. The company also was required to remediate damage caused by the spill. Drouin will serve five months in prison and five months in home confinement. He must also pay a $10,000 fine. Both defendants were also sentenced for the same offenses in the 9th Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana. The defendants received the same sentences that were imposed in federal court and the sentences will be served concurrently. The case was investigated by the Baton Rouge Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Rapides Parish District Attorney''s Office. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in the Western District of Louisiana and by state prosecutors in Rapides Parrish.
    September 2004 Region 2 News
    (09/30/2004) Ship''s Captain and Engineers Arrested on Ocean Dumping Charges - Loannis Kallikis of Greece, captain of the M/V Katerina; Elgardo Guinto of the Philippines, the ship''s chief engineer; and Rolan Sullesta of the Philippines, the ship''s second engineer were all arrested in the Los Angeles area on Sept. 21 on charges that they had allegedly been involved in the dumping of oil-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean. When the Katerina berthed in the Port of Long Beach on Sept. 14, crew members contacted dock workers and reported that they had been directed to throw trash and discharge sewage and oil into the Pacific Ocean. The Coast Guard inspected the ship on Sept. 14 and 15. During these inspections, they discovered that the ship''s oil-water separator was not being used and that a bypass had been constructed around the separator. All three defendants are charged with failing to properly maintain the Katerina''s Oil Record Book, making false statements to Coast Guard investigators and obstructing justice by falsifying records. Kallikis faces an additional obstruction of justice charge for allegedly instructing Guinto not to answer questions from Coast Guard investigators. The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, the Coast Guard''s Investigative Service and the Los Angeles office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Los Angeles.
    September 2004 Region 1 News
    (09/29/2004) NH Real Estate Developer and Contractor to Settle Clean Water Act Case - BOSTON  Two New Hampshire companies involved in building a subdivision have agreed to pay a $60,000 penalty to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they violated the Clean Water Act.
    (09/29/2004) Taunton Heating Oil Company to Pay $5,000 for Violations of Oil Regulations - BOSTON  A heating oil company in Taunton has agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it discharged oil into nearby rivers, and failed to comply with regulations related to the storage of oil, in violation of the Clean Water Act.
    (09/24/2004) Skowhegan, Maine Paper Company to Pay $78,000 Penalty for Clean Air Act Violations - BOSTON  A paper company in Skowhegan, Maine, has agreed to pay a $78,000 penalty to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it violated the Clean Air Act.
    (09/23/2004) Connecticut Man Sentenced for Clean Water Act Violation - Daniel R. Callahan of Broad Brook, Conn., was sentenced on Sept. 9 to serve three years probation, the first six months of which will be spent in home confinement. He was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform 150 hours of community service when he appeared before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. The defendant violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) by falsifying reports submitted to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Callahan was formerly the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for the Stafford Division of Tyco Printed Circuit Group (TCPG). TCPG is a subsidiary of Tyco International. One of Callahan''s primary responsibilities was to oversee the operation of Tyco''s waste treatment facility at its factory in Manchester, Conn. In February 2001, Callahan assisted in the fabrication of reports submitted to DEP concerning the Manchester facility. The reports failed to include the fact that a waste treatment "batch tank" had been discharged into the Manchester public sewer system. Tyco''s DEP permit required that discharges from the tank be reported. Instead, Callahan reported that the tank had not been discharged. As a result, the wastewater discharged from the factory exceeded the levels of copper allowed in the factory''s discharge permit. Copper is a toxic metal which can, if passed through sewage treatment plants, harm fish, aquatic life, wildlife and humans who come into contact with copper-contaminated surface waters downstream from sewage treatment facilities. Two other defendants in this case, Anthony Dadalt and Robert Smith, were sentenced to probation for violating the CWA. TCPG was ordered to pay a $6 million fine and spend an additional $4 million on environmentally beneficial programs as a result of its CWA conviction in this case. The case was investigated by the New Haven Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut DEP with the assistance of EPA''s National
    (09/23/2004) Connecticut Man Sentenced for Clean Water Act Violation - Daniel R. Callahan of Broad Brook, Conn., was sentenced on Sept. 9 to serve three years probation, the first six months of which will be spent in home confinement. He was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine and perform 150 hours of community service when he appeared before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. The defendant violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) by falsifying reports submitted to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Callahan was formerly the Director of Environmental Health and Safety for the Stafford Division of Tyco Printed Circuit Group (TCPG). TCPG is a subsidiary of Tyco International. One of Callahan''s primary responsibilities was to oversee the operation of Tyco''s waste treatment facility at its factory in Manchester, Conn. In February 2001, Callahan assisted in the fabrication of reports submitted to DEP concerning the Manchester facility. The reports failed to include the fact that a waste treatment "batch tank" had been discharged into the Manchester public sewer system. Tyco''s DEP permit required that discharges from the tank be reported. Instead, Callahan reported that the tank had not been discharged. As a result, the wastewater discharged from the factory exceeded the levels of copper allowed in the factory''s discharge permit. Copper is a toxic metal which can, if passed through sewage treatment plants, harm fish, aquatic life, wildlife and humans who come into contact with copper-contaminated surface waters downstream from sewage treatment facilities. Two other defendants in this case, Anthony Dadalt and Robert Smith, were sentenced to probation for violating the CWA. TCPG was ordered to pay a $6 million fine and spend an additional $4 million on environmentally beneficial programs as a result of its CWA conviction in this case. The case was investigated by the New Haven Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut DEP with the assistance of EPA''s National
    (09/20/2004) MA and NH Developers Agree to Pay Penalties for Storm Water Violations; - BOSTON  Three New England companies have agreed to pay more than $15,000 in penalties for storm water-related violations that took place at construction projects this year in Middleton, MA, Leominster, MA and Salem, NH. The settlements were negotiated under the agencys new Expedited Settlement Offer (ESO) program for storm water violations at New England construction sites.
    (09/15/2004) EPA Proposes Penalty Against Bridgeport, CT Company for Clean Air Act Violations - BOSTON - The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced it is seeking a proposed $65,750 penalty against Peerless Foundry LLC in Bridgeport, CT for violating federal air pollution regulations at its aluminum foundry and die casting facility in Bridgeport, CT from March 2003 to June 2004.
    (09/15/2004) NH Company Agrees to Pay $190,000 Penalty to Settle Clean Water Act Violations - BOSTON  The US Environmental Protection Agency announced today that a Greenville, NH food company has agreed to pay a $190,000 penalty stemming from Clean Water Act violations that caused substantial harm to a brook.
    September 2004 Region 5 News
    (09/27/2004) EPA orders Perma-Fix to comply with hazardous air-pollutant standards - CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has ordered Perma-Fix of Dayton Inc. to comply with national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants and to apply for a Clean Air Act operating permit for its waste and recovery operation at 300 S. W. End Ave., Dayton, Ohio.
    (09/23/2004) EPA cites Cognis for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Sept. 23, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Cognis Corp. for alleged violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the company''s specialty chemical plant at 4900 Estes Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.
    (09/23/2004) EPA cites Trialco for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Sept. 23, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Trialco Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s aluminum-recovery plant at 900 E. 14th St., Chicago Heights, Ill.
    (09/21/2004) EPA Reaches agreement with Superior Aluminum Alloys - CHICAGO (Sept. 21, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Superior Aluminum Alloys LLC on alleged violations of hazardous air pollutant regulations at the company''''s secondary aluminum production plant at 14214 Edgerton Road, New Haven, Ind. EPA assessed a $65,000 penalty, and the company agreed to complete a $34,000 environmental project.
    (09/20/2004) EPA Cites J & J Cores for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2004) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited J & J Cores for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s aluminum recovery plant at 22375 Oxford Township Road 105, Newcomerstown, Ohio.
    (09/20/2004) EPA cites J. L. French for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited J. L. French Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company''s aluminum recovery plant at 4243 Gateway Drive, Sheboygan, Wis.
    (09/20/2004) EPA settles with Gas City for hazardous chemical reporting violations at 30 Illinois gas stations - CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 today announced a $45,000 settlement with Gas City Ltd., headquartered in Frankfort, Ill., to address the company''s failure to comply with hazardous chemical reporting requirements for 30 gas stations in Illinois.
    (09/15/2004) Fourth Defendant Charged in Minnesota Plating Case - James K. Meissner, a former employee of Prime Plating of Maple Grove, Minn., was charged on Sept. 2 in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis with conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act (CWA). Previously, Prime Plating, Scott Hanson, Prime Plating''s Owner; and two other individuals, Sam Opare-Addo and Arlynn Hanson were also charged with CWA violations in this case. Prime plating is in the metal finishing business. The charges allege that the conspiracy took place in June and July of 2003, when the defendants allegedly conspired to discharge industrial wastewater from the Prime Plating facility in order to allow the business to continue operations even thought it did not have a functioning pre-treatment system for its waste as required by the Metropolitan Council. The defendants allegedly discharged untreated wastewater directly into sewers using pumps and garden hoses. In addition, Prime Plating, Hanson and Opare-Addo allegedly conspired to hide the illegal discharges from state and federal regulators. Discharging plating wastes into sewers can prevent the proper treatment of sewage at sewage treatment facilities. The case was investigated by the Minneapolis Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service, the FBI, the Metropolitan Council''s Environmental Service Division for the St. Paul/Minneapolis Area and the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services with the assistance of EPA''s National Enforcement Investigations Center and the City of Bloomington, Minnesota''s Fire Department, Police Department and Emergency Response Division. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Minneapolis.
    (09/15/2004) Minnesota Auto Shop Owner Pleads Guilty in Discharge Case - Robert Steinmetz of Prior Lake, Minn., pleaded guilty on Sept. 7 in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota in Minneapolis of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). Steinmetz is the former owner of Riverwood Auto, an auto repair firm, and Diamondback Bedliner, an applicator of automotive bedliner coatings. Both businesses are located in Bloomington, Minn. Steinmetz violated the CWA in November 2003, by knowingly discharging wastewater containing petroleum-based chemicals into a storm sewer that connects with the Minnesota River. Discharging petroleum-based chemicals into storm sewers can create a fire hazard and can harm fish and wildlife in areas where the sewer connects to surface waters. The case was investigated by the Minneapolis Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Minneapolis.
    (09/12/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Aquascape Designs; includes $36,650 fine and sale stoppage - CHICAGO (Sept.16, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently reached agreement with Aquascape Designs Inc., Batavia, Ill. Under the agreement, the company will pay a $36,650 penalty for illegally selling and distributing seven unregistered pesticides.
    (09/08/2004) Hazardous chemical reporting roundup: EPA settles Avon, Ind., case; issues 4 new complaints - CHICAGO (September 8, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently settled an administrative case involving hazardous chemical reporting violations with Harlan Bakeries, Avon, Ind.
    September 2004 Region 10 News
    (09/30/2004) Idaho Man Sentenced in Paint Waste Case - Dennis D. Ellis of Boise, Idaho, former director and corporation secretary for Ponderosa Paint Company in Boise, was sentenced on Sept. 16 to pay a $50,000 fine, pay an additional $40,000 in restitution for clean up costs incurred by the U.S. EPA, spend 30 days in home confinement and serve six months supervised release by the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho in Boise. Ellis has pleaded guilty to a charge of being an accessory after-the-fact to transportation of hazardous waste without a manifest in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In January 2000, Ellis negotiated the sale of Ponderosa Paint to Kelly Moore Paints for $14 million. A condition of the sale was that Ellis would be responsible for disposing of approximately 20,000 gallons of waste oil-based paint that had accumulated at the Ponderosa facility between 1995 and 2000. Instead of paying a licensed hazardous waste disposal company approximately $150,000 to dispose of the wastes, Ellis offered individuals $1 per gallon to dispose of the waste paint. Some of the paint waste was illegally transported to private property in Wilder, Idaho, and burned in a pit. The case was investigated by the Portland Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI with the assistance of the Idaho State Police, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Canyon County Sheriff''s Office, the EPA Idaho Operations Office, and EPA''s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Boise.
    (09/15/2004) EPA Penalizes Twin Falls Pesticides Company $9,960 - The Seattle office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has reached an agreement with WaterTech, a Twin Falls-based pesticide manufacturer, to resolve EPA complaints that the company violated federal pesticide labeling laws.
    (09/13/2004) Chemical company fined by EPA for 14-day ammonia leak - The Seattle office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that El Paso Merchant Energy - Petroleum Company (former owner of Coastal St. Helens Chemical Company) has agreed to pay $50, 345.20 in penalties for failure to notify authorities immediately after an ammonia leak was discovered at its Coastal St. Helens facility in St. Helens, Oregon (now owned by Dyno Nobel).
    (09/13/2004) EPA Stormwater Inspections in Fairbanks Result in Numerous Fines - In early August, EPA Region 10 conducted 9 storm water inspections at construction sites in Fairbanks, Alaska.
    September 2004 Region 8 News
    (09/30/2004) Riverton WY man convicted of CWA violations for building three earthen dikes without permit - Denver -- Twelve jurors returned a guilty verdict Sept. 28 against John Hubenka of Riverton, Wyo. for felony violations of the Clean Water Act. The verdict followed a five-day trial. The conviction stemmed from the illegal construction of three earthen dikes, without permits or authorization, in the Wind River, in violation of the CWA.

    August 2004

    (08/03/2004) EPA, DOJ settle with Mobil for over $5.5 million for Clean Water Act violations on Navajo lands - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced a settlement with Mobil Exploration and Producing U.S. Inc. worth over $5.5 million for numerous oil and produced water spills from its oil production activities on the Navajo Nation in southeastern Utah.
    (08/02/2004) EPA Files Complaint Against Oil Terminal in Revere over Lapsed Storm Water Permit - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has filed a complaint against Irving Oil Terminals Inc. of Delaware over the company''s discharges of storm water without a permit for a facility in Revere.
    (08/27/2004) Bassett Mirror Co. Settles Hazardous Waste Violations at Two Plants in Bassett, Virginia - PHILADELPHIA  Bassett Mirror Company, Inc., has agreed to pay a $133,000 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardous waste regulations at the companys two plants in Bassett, Virginia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced.
    (08/26/2004) EPA Cites Sargent Enterprises for Late Notification of Asbestos Removal at Bucks Co., Pa. Schools - PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Sargent Enterprises, Inc., an asbestos removal contractor in Jim Thorpe, Pa., for failing to provide timely advance notice to EPA of asbestos abatement projects in two public schools in Bucks County, Pa.
    (08/05/2004) Stone Container Corportation Settles Air Pollution Violations at Virginia Pulp and Paper Plant - Company to Pay $835,000 Penalty for Past Violations at Hopewell, Va., Plant - ALEXANDRIA, VA.  Paul J. McNulty, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and Donald S. Welsh, Regional Administrator for the United States Environmental Protection Agency''''s Mid-Atlantic region announced that Stone Container Corporation has settled alleged violations of federal and state air pollution control laws at its pulp and paper plant in Hopewell, Virginia.
    (08/26/2004) EPA fines Arizona fertilizer supply companies $14,910 - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined four Arizona fertilizer companies a total of $14,910 for failing to develop and implement procedures aimed at safeguarding the community from chemicals stored at their facilities.
    (08/26/2004) U.S. EPA fines Oxnard insulation manufacturer $152,245 for Clean Air Act Violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- Diversified Panel Systems, Inc., an Oxnard, Calif. polystyrene construction material manufacturer, has agreed to pay $152,245 for Clean Air Act violations and ensure that emissions reduction equipment at its facility meets federal regulations.
    (08/25/2004) EPA settles stormwater violation case with Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership on Kauai - HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently settled its case with Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership, requiring the company to pay $15,000 for Clean Water Act violations at a residential construction project in Princeville, Kaua''''i.
    (08/25/2004) U.S. EPA fines Yorba Linda company for selling unregistered pesticide - SAN FRANCISCO -- On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Bally''''s Brother Company, Inc., located in Yorba Linda, Calif., $3,168 for the alleged sale and distribution of an unregistered pesticide, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
    (08/24/2004) EPA fines Phoenix sheet-metal fabricator $19,250 for toxic air emission control violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined a Phoenix sheet-metal fabricator $19,250 for failing to comply with federal standards for air toxics emissions from its degreasing operations.
    (08/19/2004) U.S. EPA fines Santa Barbara construction company for asbestos violations - SAN FRANCISCO The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday fined Blankenship Construction Inc. $5,000 for asbestos violations during demolition work on structures located on Bath Street in Santa Barbara in 2001.
    (08/19/2004) U.S. EPA penalizes Los Angeles medical lab $156,000 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency penalized Grifols Biologicals Inc. and Alpha Therapeutic Corporation $156,546 yesterday for hazardous waste violations discovered at their Los Angeles facility in 2002.
    (08/12/2004) EPA orders Pepsi to comply with Clean Water Act requirements - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered Pepsi Bottling Co. of Tucson to comply with the federal Clean Water Act.
    (08/12/2004) U.S. EPA fines San Diego-area mining operators $11,000 - LOS ANGELES - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined mining operators Joseph Weber and Albert Julian $11,000 for illegal grading and dumping fill materials into the San Luis Rey River, north of San Diego County, Calif.
    (08/11/2004) U.S. EPA Waives $124,000 Penalty After Lab Discloses Environmental Violations - LOS ANGELES The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently waived a $123,541 penalty against Paragon Laboratories, based in Torrance, Calif., after the firm self-disclosed, and corrected, its violations of Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act release reporting requirements.
    (08/10/2004) EPA files $17 million suit for cleanup costs at Waste Disposal, Inc., site - LOS ANGELES - In an effort to recover approximately $16 million in cleanup costs incurred by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the Waste Disposal, Inc. Superfund Site, located in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. near Los Angeles, the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a suit against Powerine Oil Company, CENCO Refining Company, and Energy Merchant Corporation, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
    (08/06/2004) U.S. announces $2 billion sewage spill agreement for City of Los Angeles - LOS ANGELES In one of the largest sewage cases in U.S. history, the Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Monica Baykeeper and a coalition of Los Angeles community groups have reached a $2 billion settlement with the city of Los Angeles over years of sewage spills.
    (08/03/2004) EPA, DOJ settle with Mobil for over $5.5 million for Clean Water Act violations on Navajo lands - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced a settlement with Mobil Exploration and Producing U.S. Inc. worth over $5.5 million for numerous oil and produced water spills from its oil production activities on the Navajo Nation in southeastern Utah.
    August 2004 Region 6 News
    (08/18/2004) Texas Painting Company and Owner Plead Guilty in Lead Paint Waste Case - Kerrville Painting Company Inc., of Kerrville, Texas, and its owner, Nick Muskie, also known as Nickolas Mouzakis, pleaded guilty to felony criminal violations that arose from sandblasting and painting work the company did in highway bridge contracts in northeast Arkansas in 1999 and 2000. Kerrville Painting pleaded guilty to conspiracy, illegal disposal of hazardous waste, illegal transportation of hazardous waste and illegal discharge of pollutants into the Black River from two different bridge locations. Muskie pleaded guilty to conspiracy and illegal disposal of hazardous waste. Kerrville Painting Company specialized in sandblasting and painting steel structures, primarily bridges, in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Bridge sandblasting and painting typically generates wastes contaminated with lead which must be disposed of properly to avoid exposure of the public, fish and wildlife to lead and lead compounds. Exposure to sufficient quantities of lead can cause neurological disorders, developmental disorders, birth defects, diseases of the blood and kidneys and even death. The pleas were entered on Aug. 9 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas in Little Rock. The case was investigated by the Dallas and Houston Offices of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Office of General Counsel, the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office Environmental Protection Unit, the U.S. Department of Transportation''s Office of Inspector General, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Little Rock.
    August 2004 Region 2 News
    (08/25/2004) EPA Signs Environmental Self-Audit Agreements Covering Fourteen New York Hospitals, Two-Thirds of the Hospitals in Greater Rochester Area - New York, N.Y. -- Fourteen members of the Rochester Regional Healthcare/Joint Ventures Corporation have signed agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) committing to conduct comprehensive environmental audits of all their buildings and facilities.
    (08/03/2004) EPA Cites 19 Contractors for Violating Stormwater Eequirements in Puerto Rico - (#04124) San Juan, P.R. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has taken action against 19 contractors for violating the Clean Water Act at 32 construction sites in Puerto Rico. In March, 2004, EPA previously ordered the contractors to comply with federal requirements.
    August 2004 Region 1 News
    (08/25/2004) Connecticut Company to Pay $10 Million for Clean Water Act Violations - Tyco Printed Circuit Group (TPCG) of Stafford, Conn., a subsidiary of Tyco International, was sentenced on 12 counts of violating the Clean Water Act. The plea agreement calls for TPCG to pay a total of $10 million in fines. Of that amount, $6 million will be paid as a federal criminal fine; $2.7 million will go to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) natural resources fund; the Towns of Stafford and Manchester will receive $500,000 each to fund improvements in their sewer and water treatment systems; and $300,000 will pay for recycling deionized and other wastewater at the companys Stafford and Staffordville facilities. Between 1999 and June 2001, TPCG managers at the companys Stafford, Staffordville and Manchester facilities engaged in a variety of practices that caused the facilities to discharge wastewater with higher than permitted levels of pollutants into municipal sewage treatment systems. The illegal practices included, but were not limited to, diluting potentially non-compliant wastewater samples, discarding of samples with excessive levels of toxic metals, and omitting samples that were not in compliance for pH. Sentencing took place on Aug. 17 in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in Hartford. The case was investigated by the Boston Office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut DEP with the assistance of EPAs National Enforcement Investigations Center. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Hartford.
    (08/25/2004) EPA Seeks Penalties from North Andover Company for Idling Violations - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking penalties totaling $109,120 from Material Installations Inc. for violating the Massachusetts anti-idling regulation. Material Installations is a distributor of pre-manufactured office furniture located in North Andover.
    (08/12/2004) Connecticut Shipping Corporation to Pay $4.2 Million for Dumping Oil at Sea - OMI Corporation of Stamford, Connecticut, was ordered to pay a $4.2 million fine for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS). The OMI Corporations tanker Guadalupe illegally discharged oil using a bypass hose to circumvent on-board pollution control equipment and concealed the discharges through false entries in the ships Oil Record Book. The Guadalupe routinely transported crude oil and petroleum products between the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. In September 2001, the ships second engineer went to a local police department when the ship docked in Cartaret, N.J. He informed the police that he was being ordered to dump oily wastes at sea. The second engineer was awarded $2.1 million of the fine, said to be the largest bounty ever paid to a whistleblower under APPS. The ships captain, Ashok Kumar, and chief engineer, Elangovan Mani, have also pleaded guilty in this case. Sentencing took place on August 6 in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the New York Office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division and the Inspector Generals Office of the U.S. Department of Transportation. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
    (08/12/2004) Maine Company to Pay $40,000 for Alleged Environmental Violations - BOSTON - A Portland, Maine lead abatement contractor has agreed to pay $40,000 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it allegedly failed to comply with various lead management rules at nine projects in Maine from 1999 to 2002.
    (08/11/2004) Meat Processing Co. to Pay $26,000 to Settle Clean Air Act Case At New Hampshire Facility - BOSTON - Tyson Prepared Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., the world''''s largest processor and marketer of chicken and red meats, has agreed to pay $26,075 to settle claims by the U.S. EPA that it violated the Clean Air Act at its meat processing facility in Manchester, NH.
    (08/11/2004) Town of Belmont to Pay Fine for Oil Spill at Elementary School - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a settlement with the Town of Belmont, Mass., stemming from an enforcement complaint regarding a 2,500 gallon oil spill last year at Burbank Elementary School. Under the settlement, Belmont will pay a fine of $8,000.
    (08/10/2004) Three NH Companies Agree to Pay Fine to Settle EPA Complaint; Case is Part of EPA Push to Improve Compliance with Stormwater Regulations - BOSTON - Three New Hampshire developers responsible for building a residential subdivision in Methuen, Mass., have agreed to pay $70,000 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they failed to get the necessary permits and comply with federal regulations for stormwater discharges from their property.
    (08/05/2004) Connecticut Property Manager Agrees to $215,000 Settlement for Violating Lead Laws - BOSTON  The New York-based manager of 1,600 residential units in Connecticut has agreed to pay a $95,000 penalty and undertake environmental projects worth $120,000 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it failed to provide tenants required information regarding the possible presence of lead paint in their dwellings.
    (08/02/2004) EPA Files Complaint Against Oil Terminal in Revere over Lapsed Storm Water Permit - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has filed a complaint against Irving Oil Terminals Inc. of Delaware over the company''''s discharges of storm water without a permit for a facility in Revere.
    August 2004 Region 5 News
    (08/31/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Midwest Energy on clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Aug. 31, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Midwest Energy Resources Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company''''s coal transfer facility, West Winter Street, Superior, Wis. EPA assessed a $69,750 penalty.
    (08/25/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Abbott Labs on clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Aug. 25, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Abbott Laboratories on alleged violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the company''''s health-care manufacturing plant at 1401 Sheridan Road, North Chicago, Ill.
    (08/25/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Beta Steel on clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Aug. 25, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Beta Steel Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the companys steel manufacturing plant at 6600 S. Boundary Road, Portage, Ind.
    (08/18/2004) EPA cites Royster-Clark for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (Aug. 18, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Royster-Clark Nitrogen Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the companys nitric acid plant at 10743 Brower Road, North Bend, Ohio.
    (08/10/2004) MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA Administrator Leavitt in Ashland, Wis., to gather information on Great Lakes issues and cleanup - CHICAGO (Aug. 10, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt will be in Ashland, Wis., on Wednesday, Aug. 11, visiting the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center and canoeing on Lake Superior. This spring, he was asked to lead a task force to coordinate local, state and federal efforts to clean up the lakes. This month he will be touring the region to learn more about issues affecting the lakes. [ For more information ]
    (08/09/2004) EPA announces public comment period for Deer River power station permit - CHICAGO (Aug. 9, 2004) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 will take public comments until Sept. 11 on a proposed federal air quality operating permit for the Great Lakes Gas Deer River natural-gas-fired compressor station on the Leech Lake Reservation near Deer River, Minn. [ For more information ]
    August 2004 Region 10 News
    (08/26/2004) Bruce Willis Agrees to Pay $21,000 Penalty and Restore Wetlands - Bruce Willis, of Hailey, Idaho, has signed a Consent Agreement and Final Order with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to settle allegations that he violated federal wetlands protection laws on residential property he owns in Blaine County, Idaho. The settlement includes payment of a $21,000 penalty.
    (08/24/2004) EPA Lodges Complaint Against Idaho Transportation Dept., Scarsella Brothers - The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, today lodged a complaint against the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and its contractor, Scarsella Brothers, Inc. of Seattle, for at least 170 violations of the federal Clean Water Act at a six-mile long road project on U.S. Highway 95 between Bellgrove and Mica Creeks.
    (08/23/2004) EPA Proposes $25K Penalty Against Owner of Diamond T Ranch - The Northwest office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $25,000 penalty against J. Phillip Adams for illegally dredging and filling a wetland and creek on his Diamond T Ranch, south of McCammon, in Bannock County, Idaho.
    (08/18/2004) California Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Illegal Asbestos Removal in Idaho - Aubrey Lewis Ritz of Sacramento, Calif., was sentenced to serve five years of probation, the first year of which will be spent in home confinement and pay a $100,000 fine for violating the Clean Air Act by failing to conduct a thorough asbestos inspection at the Stardust Hotel in Idaho Falls prior to undertaking a renovation project. Failure to follow federal asbestos workplace practices can expose workers and others who enter an asbestos workplace to the inhalation of asbestos fibers which are a known cause of lung cancer, a lung disease known as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. Fifty thousand dollars of the fine will be given to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for a project in Southeast Idaho. Sentencing was handed down on Aug. 1 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho in Pocatello. The case was investigated by the Boise office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division with contract assistance from EPA Region 10. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho.
    (08/13/2004) EPA Inspections Find Clean Water Act Violations at 7 Pocatello-Area Construction Sites - Proposed Penalties Range from $1,500 to $10,125 During a recent round of inspections at seven Pocatello-area construction sites, an inspector for the Region 10 office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that operators (owners and contractors) at all seven sites violated federal Clean Water Act rules meant to protect lakes and streams from construction site runoff.
    (08/12/2004) ConocoPhillips to Pay $485,000 for Cook Inlet Wastewater Violations - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that the ConocoPhillips Company will pay $485,000 in penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act at its Tyonek natural gas platform in Upper Cook Inlet between Kenai and Anchorage, Alaska.
    (08/10/2004) Yardarm Knot Fisheries to Pay $11,000 Penalty for Fish Waste Violations - News Release Yardarm Knot Fisheries to Pay $11,000 Penalty for Fish Waste Violations August 10, 2004 The Northwest office of the Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Yardarm Knot Fisheries, which operates the Red Salmon Cannery in Naknek, has agreed to pay $11,000 to settle an EPA-issued complaint for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
    August 2004 Region 7 News
    (08/18/2004) Transportation Fined for Ocean Dumping - Sabine Transportation of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been sentenced to pay a $2 million fine for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Shipping (APPS). The court also ordered that $1 million of the fine be declared a bounty and shared by three whistle-blowers from the crews of the SS Juneau and SS Trinity. Sabine operates a fleet of ships that carry cargo from the United States to foreign countries. In its guilty plea, Sabine admitted to several violations including: discharging diesel fuel-contaminated wheat into the Pacific Ocean from the S.S. Juneau, discharging plastic wastes and oily diesel fuel cargo from the S.S. Trinity into the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as failing to maintain required records and discharging oily waste from the S.S. Colorado, S.S. Guadalupe and S.S. Sea Princess. Dumping oil and other wastes into the open seas can harm fish and other aquatic life. The sentence was handed down in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa in Cedar Rapids. The case was investigated by the St. Louis office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Coast Guard and the FBI. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Cedar Rapids and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
    (08/04/2004) Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to False Statement About Lead Notification - Robert James of St. Louis, Mo., pled guilty to making a false statement to a government agency. According to court documents, James owned rental property in St. Louis which had a history of lead-based paint problems. In June 2000, the City of St. Louis inspected the defendants property and issued a lead abatement order to him. The order, issued under the Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Act, required James to provide documentation to the EPA Region 7 Office of Regional Counsel indicating he had come into compliance. In October 2002, the defendant sent a letter to the Regional Counsel that falsely stated he was in compliance and he also sent other documentation falsely representing that he had provided a proper lead paint history to renters at his property. At sentencing, James faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The plea was entered on July 28 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis. The case was investigated by the St. Louis office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in St. Louis.
    August 2004 Region 8 News
    (08/25/2004) Colorado Electroplating Company and Manager Indicted in Sewer Dumping Case - Luxury Wheels Inc. of Grand Junction, Colo., and Albert David Hajduk, Luxury Wheels operations manager, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy and violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). According to the indictment, Luxury Wheels was an electroplating business that used various chemicals for its processes including acids and caustics, as well as chemical solutions containing metals. The indictment alleges that from May 1999 until September 2003, the defendants entered into a conspiracy and violated the CWA by attempting to treat wastewater at times when their treatment system was overburdened, by diluting wastes before treating them in violation of their discharge permit and by hiring a company to hydrojet the companys sewage service line to remove chemical sludge blockages in order to conceal evidence of illegal discharges. Illegally discharging chemicals, caustics and acids into sewers can create a danger to sewage treatment plant workers and can also prevent the proper treatment of sewage when it reaches the plant. Indictments were handed up on Aug. 11 in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The case was investigated by the Denver Office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division with the assistance of EPAs National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Denver.
    (08/16/2004) PacifiCorp to clean up contamination in downtown SLC - Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and PacifiCorp (formerly Utah Power and Light) have entered into an Administrative Order on Consent for the clean up of asbestos contamination at PacifiCorps power substation at 333 West 100 South in downtown Salt Lake City.

    July 2004

    (07/19/2004) Tijuana/San Diego hazardous waste firms settle with U.S. EPA $25,000 fine for mishandling waste shipped from - LOS ANGELES -- Three hazardous waste firms - one in Tijuana and two in San Diego -- have settled a legal action with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that requires them to pay $25,000 for violations of the federal hazardous waste law, known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
    (07/19/2004) U.S. EPA, bankrupt former owner of a Los Angeles steel mill enter into Consent Agreement Firm fined $49,390 for improperly storing, handling hazardous waste - LOS ANGELES - Precision Specialty Metals, previous owner of a Los Angeles-based stainless steel mill, has been fined $49,390 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for improperly handling and storing chromium contaminated waste salts and acid sludge.
    (07/15/2004) U.S. EPA orders Bay Area company to correct Clean Water Act violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Redwood City, Calif. company, Seaport Refining & Environmental, to immediately correct violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
    (07/14/2004) Norwegian Shipping Company Sentenced to Pay $3.5 Million Fine - Hoegh Fleet Services, a Norwegian operator of ocean-going cargo ships, was sentenced to pay a $3.5 million fine for seven felony violations of U.S. federal law. Hoeghs was found guilty of keeping a falsified Oil Record book, obstruction of justice and making false statements to the U.S. Coast Guard. Hoegh was ordered to develop a comprehensive environmental plan for all 38 of its ships that visit U.S. waters and ordered to serve four years probation. According to court documents, the investigation began in September 2003 after a whistleblower from the crew of the vessel Hoegh Minerva informed authorities that members of the crew had allegedly used a bypass pipe to route waste oil around the oil-water separator in the ships pollution control system. Investigators later uncovered evidence indicating that the ships Oil Record Book contained false entries. Falsifying Oil Record Books can prevent regulators from determining if ships are in compliance with federal law. Sentencing was handed down on June 29 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle offices of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division and the Los Angeles and Portland Offices of U.S. Coast Guards Marine Safety Office with assistance from the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Washington State Department of Ecologys Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Program. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle.
    (07/13/2004) EPA, Navajo EPA to inspect, cite facilities for underground storage tank violations on the Navajo Nation - SAN FRANCISCO-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency will inspect more than 50 underground storage tank sites this summer.
    (07/12/2004) EPA, DOJ file complaint, seek penalties and more than $2.8 million to recover costs at Arizona Superfund site - SAN FRANCISCO- - The U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint recently seeking recovery of more than $2.8 million in costs, and penalties and punitive damages for violation of EPA orders regarding cleanup of soil and ground water contamination at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport North Superfund Site.
    (07/12/2004) U.S. announces settlement with United Airlines to resolve hazardous waste violations - SAN FRANCISCO - The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of California announced today that United Airlines, Inc. has agreed to a $850,000 civil penalty to resolve its violations of state and federal hazardous waste laws at its San Francisco International Airport facility.
    (07/07/2004) EPA fines Yuma company $4,400 for pesticide violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Gowan Milling of Yuma, Ariz. $4,400 for allegedly failing to submit 2003 pesticide reports, a violation of the federal pesticide law.
    (07/07/2004) U.S. EPA fines two So. Calif. pesticide companies - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined two California businesses in Azusa, and North Hollywood a total of $9,900 for allegedly failing to submit 2003 pesticide reports, a violation of the federal pesticide law.
    (07/29/2004) EPA Cites National Liquidators and Odd Job for Selling Illegal household Pesticides - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) has cited National Wholesale Liquidators and Odd-Job Stores, Inc. for illegally selling misbranded household pesticide products from Canada in the United States.
    (07/29/2004) EPA Fines Dredging Company For Discharging Rock in Unauthorized Areas - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action against Bean Stuyvesant L.L.C, for violating the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), commonly known as the Ocean Dumping Act, by discharging dredged rock in the Atlantic Ocean, outside of authorized areas on two occasions.
    (07/29/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Greener Pastures; Includes $25,000 fine and immediate sale stoppage - CHICAGO (July 29, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently reached agreement with Greener Pastures Development Corp., Oakdale, Minn.
    07/01/2004) EPA settles action against Bibb County Board of Commissioners for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Atlanta - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the settlement of an administrative enforcement action against Bibb County Board of Commissioners for alleged violations of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
    July 2004 Region 2 News
    (07/29/2004) EPA Cites National Liquidators and Odd Job for Selling Illegal household Pesticides - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) has cited National Wholesale Liquidators and Odd-Job Stores, Inc. for illegally selling misbranded household pesticide products from Canada in the United States.
    (07/29/2004) EPA Fines Dredging Company For Discharging Rock in Unauthorized Areas - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action against Bean Stuyvesant L.L.C, for violating the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), commonly known as the Ocean Dumping Act, by discharging dredged rock in the Atlantic Ocean, outside of authorized areas on two occasions.
    (07/28/2004) Man Arrested for Defrauding Connecticut Schools in Mold Remediation Plot - Ronald Schongar of Clifton Park, N.Y., was arrested on Jul. 15 for alleged mail fraud, wire fraud and violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Schongar stands accused of providing unnecessary mold remediation at schools in Easton, Manchester and Bristol, Connecticut. Schongar owns and operates Microb Phase, Inc., and several other entities that advertise air quality testing and mold remediation services. Court documents charge that, as early as 2000, the defendant plotted to defraud Connecticut schools by allegedly generating false and fraudulent laboratory reports about school air quality and offering Microb Phases services to remediate the purported air quality problems. Furthermore, he falsely and fraudulently represented that the product he used in his remediation program was approved by EPA, and generated false and fraudulent reports indicating his services and products had successfully remediated the air quality problems he claimed to have identified. If convicted of mail and wire fraud, Schongar faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine on each count. If convicted of violating FIFRA, the maximum sentence calls for up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000 per count. The case was investigated by the New Haven, Conn., Office of EPAs Criminal Investigation Division and the Easton Police Department with the assistance of EPAs National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Haven, Conn. Federal charges are merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (07/15/2004) EPA Reaches Agreement With Cerveceria India to Settle Violations of Clean Water Act - San Juan, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an agreement with Cerveceria India, Inc., a beverage company located in Mayaguez, to settle a case against the company for failure to comply with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued under the Clean Water Act.
    (07/14/2004) Former New York Resident Indicted on Fraud Charges Related to Underground Tank Removal - Bahavesh Kamdar, formerly of Williamsville, N.Y., was indicted on 30 counts of mail fraud and money laundering on June 30, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, N.Y. Kamdar is accused of allegedly over-billing New York State through a contract to remove and replace underground storage tanks at New York State facilities. Kamdar formerly owned Industrial Site Services, Inc., which was awarded a $4.9 million underground storage tank remedial contract by the New York State Office of General Services. The indictment alleges that Kamdar falsely declared payment of a $500,000 performance bond premium/collateral price and over-charging New York State for the services of his company. The indictment seeks the forfeiture of over $5.9 million. The case was investigated by the New York State Inspector Generals Office, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and the EPAs Criminal Investigation Division office in Buffalo. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Buffalo. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (07/14/2004) New York Industrial Park Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Asbestos Removal - Arthur Hilton of Castelton, N.Y., owner of the Hilton Industrial Park in Rensselaer, N.Y., has pled guilty to violating the Clean Air Act. Hilton admitted to hiring workers to illegally handle asbestos from buildings which he owned at his industrial park. The defendant admitted that the workers illegally disposed of the asbestos by dumping it at various locations near the New York State/Massachusetts border. Illegal dumping of asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne, and inhaling asbestos fibers is a known cause of lung cancer, a lung disease known as asbestosis, and mesothelioma which is a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. At sentencing, Hilton faces a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The plea was entered on June 30 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York in Syracuse. The case was investigated by EPAs Criminal Investigation Division office in Syracuse, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Labors Asbestos Control Bureau. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Syracuse
    July 2004 Region 1 News
    (07/28/2004) Providence, RI, Company Agrees to Pay $5,000 to Settle Clean Air Act Violations - BOSTON  The US Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Victory Finish Technologies, a metal finishing company in Providence, RI, has agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty to settle claims by the EPA of violations of the Clean Air Act.
    (07/20/2004) EPA Seeks Penalties From Maine Military Authority for Air Violations in Limestone, Maine - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it is seeking $194,500 in civil penalties from the Maine Military Authority for violations of the federal Clean Air Act at the Loring Commerce Center (the decommissioned Loring Air Force Base) in Limestone, Maine.
    (07/15/2004) EPA Seeks Penalties from State of Massachusetts for Hazardous Waste Violations in Lawrence - BOSTON  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking penalties totaling $55,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for violating environmental laws regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous waste materials.
    (07/15/2004) EPA Settles Enforcement Case with Seabrook, NH for Clean Water Act Violations - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that the town of Seabrook, NH has agreed to pay a $31,000 penalty for Clean Water Act violations at its wastewater treatment plant which discharges into the Atlantic Ocean.
    (07/14/2004) Meat Processing Plant Faces Civil Penalties for Inadequate Risk Management Planning at Manchester, N.H., Facility - BOSTON  An enforcement action has been filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against Tyson Foods, Inc., for violations of the Clean Air Act at a meat processing facility in Manchester, N.H. EPA is seeking a civil penalty of $35,387.
    (07/13/2004) Rhode Island Jewelry Finishing Company Ordered to Comply With Clean Air Act - BOSTON  A Rhode Island jewelry finishing company was recently ordered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate steps to comply with federal clean air regulations regarding release of hazardous air pollutants.
    (07/07/2004) Connecticut Plating Company and General Manager Plead in Clean Water Act Case - Aluminum Finishing Company, Inc., of Bridgeport Conn., and Duane Bass, Aluminum Finishings General Manager, both pled guilty on June 21 in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in New Haven to violating the Clean Water Act (CWA). Aluminum Finishing performs electroplating, painting, anodizing and chromating a variety of metal products for industry. The company had a permit to discharge treated process wastewater into the Bridgeport sewer system, which in turn discharges into Long Island Sound. Aluminum Finishing pled guilty to repeated violations of its discharge permit from October 27, 2000 to January 5, 2001. Specifically, the government stated that the company discharged wastewater which exceeded its CWA discharge permit levels for pH, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. The government further alleged that Aluminum Finishing was in the practice of discharging approximately 8,000 gallons of unpretreated wastewater on Friday evenings. Defendant Bass was charged with an illegal discharge on January 5, 2001. The discharge of wastewater containing contaminants above permitted levels has the potential to interfere with municipal sewage treatment processes. The case was investigated by the Boston Area Office EPAs Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from EPAs National Enforcement Investigations Center, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Bridgeports treatment works. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Haven.
    (07/07/2004) Johnston, RI Company to Pay $10,000 Penalty to Settle Pesticide Violations; Settlement Follows Similar Agreement with Central Falls, RI Company - BOSTON  Two Rhode Island companies that make and sell swimming pool disinfectants have agreed to pay a total of $23,000 in fines to settle charges by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they manufactured and distributed pesticides with labels that misrepresented the contents.
    (07/07/2004) Rhode Island Company to Pay $500,000 Penalty for Hazardous Waste Violations - BOSTON  The US Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Ultra Scientific Inc., a North Kingstown, RI chemical standards laboratory, has agreed to pay a $500,000 penalty to settle claims by the EPA that it had extensive hazardous waste handling violations at its facility in Quonset Point Industrial Park. Ultra Scientific agreed to pay the fine within 30 days.
    (07/01/2004) Pepperell Property Management Company Agrees to Pay Fine for Lead Disclosure Violations - BOSTON - The US Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the Nissitissit Group Ltd., a Pepperell, MA property management company, has agreed to pay a $35,000 penalty for failing to notify numerous tenants in the Pepperell area about possible lead paints hazards in rental units, as required by law.
    July 2004 Region 5 News
    (07/29/2004) EPA reaches agreement with Greener Pastures; Includes $25,000 fine and immediate sale stoppage - CHICAGO (July 29, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently reached agreement with Greener Pastures Development Corp., Oakdale, Minn.
    (07/22/2004) EPA Cites Intrametco for Clean-Air Violations - CHICAGO (July 22, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Intrametco Processing Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the companys aluminum processing plant at 1901 W. Louisiana St., Evansville, Ind.
    (07/22/2004) EPA cites Morgan Electro Ceramics for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (July 22, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Morgan Electro Ceramics for alleged clean-air violations at the companys electro-ceramic manufacturing plant at 232 Forbes Road, Bedford, Ohio.
    (07/21/2004) Two Wisconsin Men Sentenced for Illegal Asbestos Removal - Michael L. Smith and Lawrence J. Williams, partners in Smith Renovations in Janesville, Wisconsin, were sentenced for illegal removal of asbestos, a violation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin in July, 2002. Smith was sentenced to 6 months of community confinement and 5 years of probation. Williams was sentenced to 3 months of community confinement and 5 years of probation. As part of their sentences, both men were also required to pay $50,380 in restitution to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Horeb. In April 2002, Smith and Williams were contracted to renovate the church. Despite being informed that the ceiling in the church classrooms contained asbestos, Smith and Williams improperly scraped the ceilings of numerous classrooms. They were stopped by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor who was at the site to perform other work in July 2002. Improper removal and bagging of asbestos can expose workers and others who enter the area to the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers. Inhaled asbestos fibers are a known cause of lung cancer, a lung disease known as asbestosis, and mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. Sentencing took place on July 14 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. The case was investigated by EPAs Criminal Investigation Division in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Madison.
    (07/20/2004) EPA cites Grainger for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (July 20, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited W.W. Grainger Inc. for alleged violations of federal clean-air regulations designed to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The company has a facilities-maintenance products distribution center at 100 Grainger Road, Lake Forest, Ill.
    (07/16/2004) EPA cites Erler Industries for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (July 16, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Erler Industries Inc. for alleged violations of federal and state clean-air regulations at the companys coating facility that includes operations at 418 Stockwell St., 71 Hayden Pike and 125 W. Hayden Pike in North Vernon, Ind.
    (07/13/2004) EPA cites Lesaffre Yeast for clean-air violations - CHICAGO (July 13, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Lesaffre Yeast Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the companys yeast manufacturing plant at 433 E. Michigan St., Milwaukee, Wis.
    (07/01/2004) Initial EPA-ordered removal of contaminated soil from St. Regis Paper Co. site complete - CHICAGO (Jul. 1, 2004) -- Last week, under an EPA order, International Paper Co. completed an initial removal of dioxin-contaminated soil from the St. Regis Paper Co. Superfund site in Cass Lake, Minn.
    July 2004 Region 10 News
    (07/20/2004) EPA Inspections Find 11 Clean Water Act Violations at Alaska Construction Sites - During a recent round of inspections of nine Anchorage and Wasilla-area construction sites, inspectors from the Region 10 office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that 11 construction site operators (both owners and contractors) violated federal Clean Water Act rules meant to protect lakes and streams from construction site run-off.
    (07/19/2004) Food Services of America to Pay $14,296 Penalty, Buy Emergency Equipment For Red Cross & County - Food Services of America (FSA) has agreed to pay a penalty and purchase emergency response equipment to resolve an EPA complaint that FSA failed to report that it maintained large quantities of ammonia, sulfuric acid, diesel fuel, and lead at its Everett location.
    July 2004 Region 8 News
    (07/16/2004) Denver and Waste Management to pay $265,000; cited for violations of cleanup order - Denver -- The City and County of Denver, Waste Management of Colorado, Inc. and Chemical Waste Management, Inc. will pay a penalty of $265,000 after being cited for their failure, on numerous occasions from August through December 1998, to comply with an EPA order directing cleanup of the Lowry Landfill Superfund site. [ For more information ]
    (07/12/2004) Landowners to pay $35,000, restore wetlands in EPA suit - Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered two private landowners to pay a $35,000 civil penalty and to restore 120 acres of drained wetlands and an impacted waterway to Lake Herman.
    July 2004 Region 4 News
    (07/14/2004) Former Holland American Line Executive Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for False Compliance Reporting - Richard K. Softye of Seattle, Wash., former Vice President-Operating Line Compliance at Holland America Line and a former career Coast Guard Officer, pled guilty and was sentenced on charges that he falsely reported that the Holland America Line was implementing its portion of a court-ordered environmental compliance plan (ECP).
    (07/07/2004) EPA Lifts Stop Sale on Three 1st EnviroSafety Products - On June 24, EPA lifted a restriction on the sale of three products made by 1st EnviroSafety Inc. of St. James, Fla. The company complied with a June 2 Order and removed all references to pesticidal properties from the products labels and removed all pesticidal claims from the companys website. Specifically, the restriction on the sale and distribution of Organic Cleaner/Degreaser (Military Strength); Industrial Cleaner & Degreaser; and ECCO Commercial All Purpose Colloidal Cleaner has been lifted. The June 2 Order remains in place for the following products: Organic Veggie Wash; Yacht & Boat Bath (Organic); Any Floors #123; ECCO Dishwashing Machine Concentrate; Organic - Bath & Tile; Organic - Pet Care; and Organic - Multi-Purpose. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), products claiming to prevent, destroy, or repel pests, including anthrax bacteria, are considered pesticides and must be registered with the EPA. The pre-market registration process requires a company to prove the product is safe and effective for consumer use before a legal claim can be made that it protects people and pets from illness caused by pests. EPA-registered products must bear the registration number on labeling, along with directions for use and any safety precautions. The stop sale order requires 1st EnviroSafety Inc. to remove all pesticide claims from its advertising and labeling and to notify EPA within 30 days of the steps they have taken to do so. EPA, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will be monitoring compliance with this stop sale order and will continue to monitor the Internet for illegal pesticide sales.
    (07/01/2004) EPA settles action against Bibb County Board of Commissioners for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - Atlanta - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the settlement of an administrative enforcement action against Bibb County Board of Commissioners for alleged violations of the Underground Storage Tank (UST) provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

    June 2004

    (06/30/2004) EPA Cites Snow & Snow Inc. for Violating Safe Drinking Water Act - PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Snow & Snow Inc. of Duke Corner, McKean County, Pa., and company owner Kerry Snow for violating Safe Drinking Water Act regulations designed to avoid contamination of drinking water supplies by underground injection wells.
    (06/30/2004) EPA Cites Snow & Snow Inc. for Violating Safe Drinking Water Act - PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited Snow & Snow Inc. of Duke Corner, McKean County, Pa., and company owner Kerry Snow for violating Safe Drinking Water Act regulations designed to avoid contamination of drinking water supplies by underground injection wells.
    (06/25/2004) EPA Signs Consent Agreement and Final Order With Westchester County - NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed to a settlement of an administrative complaint against Westchester County, New York for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The settlement requires Westchester County, which owns and runs the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research , to pay a civil penalty of $11,500 and to spend a minimum of $110,000 to implement a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP).
    (06/24/2004) EPA Reaches Settlement To Protect Critical Wetlands In Puerto Rico - San Juan, Puerto Rico -- Continuing its work to ensure the protection of Puerto Rico''s wetlands, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has reached a settlement with Suchville Development, Inc. of a complaint involving violations of wetlands regulations established under the federal Clean Water Act.
    (06/22/2004) EPA cites Jupiter Aluminum for clean-air violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Jupiter Aluminum Corp. for alleged violations of federal clean-air regulations at the company''s secondary aluminum production plant at 1745 165th St., Hammond, Ind.
    (06/18/2004) EPA cites Tower Industries for clean-air violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Tower Industries LLC for alleged violations of federal and state clean-air regulations at two company plastics plants in Massillon, Ohio.
    (06/18/2004) EPA settles with American Progressive Circuits on hazardous waste violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has settled a complaint against American Progressive Circuits Inc. of Addison, Ill., for violations of the federal law governing hazardous waste and used oil. The company admitted to all of the violations and agreed to pay a $22,000 penalty and to comply with all hazardous waste storage rules.
    (06/17/2004) Fitchburg State College Agrees To $205,000 Settlement for Hazardous Waste Violations - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has settled an enforcement action against Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg for hazardous waste handling and storage violations. The college agreed to pay a $50,000 fine and undertake two environmental projects valued at $155,000.
    (06/16/2004) Maine Landlord Agrees to $25,000 Settlement for Lead Disclosure Violations - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that the 94 Cleaves Street Corp. in Biddeford, Maine has agreed to a $24,547 settlement regarding lead disclosure violations at a rental property it owns and manages.
    (06/15/2004) EPA orders closure of medical waste incinerators at Guam Memorial Hospital - HONOLULU -- In response to an order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority has shut down one of its medical waste incinerators and will soon shut down a second in order to meet federal Clean Air Act standards.
    (06/14/2004) EPA Files $10,000 Complaint Against Fairbanks Man for Wetlands Violation - The Seattle office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a complaint proposing a $10,000 penalty against Stanley Pieniazek of Fairbanks for illegally destroying wetlands on the Ballaine Lake subdivision property he owns near the Fairbanks campus of the University of Alaska.
    (06/14/2004) Harrison Heights Subdivision & Contractor Receive Storm Water Complaint & Proposed $99,000 Penalty - Harrison Heights, LLC, and their contractor, Iron Triangle, LLC, were named in an Administrative Complaint for alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. The Complaint includes a proposed penalty of $99,000.
    (06/14/2004) Storm Water Inspections Find Construction Sites with Clean Water Violations - EPA Storm Water Inspections at 12 Boise Area Construction Sites Find 14 Operators in Violation of the CWA - So Far, Proposed Penalties Range from $500 to $13,000.
    (06/10/2004) EPA Orders ''Stop Sale'' of Product that Claims To Neutralize Anthrax - Washington, D.C. -- The owner of 1st EnviroSafety Inc. of St. James, Fla., was ordered by EPA on May 26 to stop Web site sales of unregistered pesticide products, including one that claims to neutralize the effects of anthrax bacteria.
    (06/09/2004) EPA reaches agreement with City of Detroit - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with the city of Detroit public lighting department on alleged violations of acid rain regulations at the departments Mistersky power station, 5425 W. Jefferson St., Detroit, Mich.
    (06/09/2004) Two Massachusetts Municipalities Face Fines For Oil Spills From Schools - Belmont and West Springfield Part of EPA Compliance Effort - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced two enforcement actions against Massachusetts municipalities for oil spills at school buildings.
    (06/08/2004) EPA orders landowner to restore filled wetland area along the Hanalei River on Kauai - HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Kauai landowner to restore sensitive wetlands adjacent to the Hanalei River he had illegally filled in 2002 and 2003.
    (06/07/2004) EPA initiates penalty actions against 21 facilities in MT and on two Indian reservations under the Clean Water Act - Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency''s (EPA) Denver office is seeking penalties against 21 facilities in Montana, the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation for violations of the federal Clean Water Act''s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan regulations.
    (06/30/2004) California PVC Manufacturer Agrees to Plead Guilty and Pay $4.3 Million Fine - Keysor-Century Corporation, a defunct company which manufactured polyvinyl chloride at its facility in Saugus, Calif., agreed on June 17 to plead guilty to a series of felony charges and pay $4.3 million in criminal and civil penalties for violations of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, for committing mail fraud, defrauding the United States and for civil violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act. Specifically, Keysor-Century was charged with knowingly releasing toxic wastewater into the Santa Clara River, illicit emission of air pollutants, falsifying emission reports to state and federal agencies, illegally storing and handling hazardous waste and maintaining its facility in a way that posed a threat of release of hazardous substances into the environment. These substances included vinyl chloride, a flammable gas known to be carcinogenic when inhaled by humans. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, the City of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Fire Department''s Health Hazardous Materials Division with the assistance of EPA''s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Los Angeles.
    (06/30/2004) EPA fines Arizona propane distribution company $15,649 for failing to report hazardous chemical inventory - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined a Globe, Ariz. company $15,679 for failing to report to the appropriate local, state and federal authorities the amount of propane its facility was storing from 2000 through 2003.
    (06/26/2004) EPA fines Vallejo company for violating hazardous waste regulations - SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday fined a Vallejo company, Jeffco Painting & Coating, Inc., $8,852 for violating federal and state hazardous waste regulations.
    (06/21/2004) Phelps Dodge Sierrita to pay $1.4 million to settle air pollution violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Phelps Dodge Sierrita, Inc. has agreed to pay $1.4 million for allegedly violating the federal Clean Air Act.
    (06/21/2004) U.S. EPA settles case against Richmond facility for toxic releases - SAN FRANCISCO -- Today the BOC Group, Inc. agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $6,514 for allegedly failing to accurately report the amount of ammonia released from its Richmond facility, in violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (06/17/2004) California PVC firm pays $4.3 million fine for multiple environmental violations - LOS ANGELES -- A Los Angeles County company that made PVC has agreed to plead guilty to a series of federal felony charges and to pay more than $4 million in civil and criminal penalties and restitution for polluting from its Saugus manufacturing facility, as well as lying about its employee''''s over-exposure to toxic chemicals.
    (06/16/2004) EPA cites pesticide producer for failing to register Oakland facility - SAN FRANCISCO -- Last Friday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Nalco Company $4,400 for allegedly failing to register its Oakland, Calif. facility with the EPA prior to producing pesticides, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
    (06/15/2004) EPA orders closure of medical waste incinerators at Guam Memorial Hospital - HONOLULU -- In response to an order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority has shut down one of its medical waste incinerators and will soon shut down a second in order to meet federal Clean Air Act standards.
    (06/08/2004) EPA orders landowner to restore filled wetland area along the Hanalei River on Kauai - HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered a Kauai landowner to restore sensitive wetlands adjacent to the Hanalei River he had illegally filled in 2002 and 2003.

    May 2004

    (05/28/2004) NSTAR Agrees to $63,380 Settlement for Oil Spill Violations in Charles River - BOSTON -- The NSTAR Electric and Gas Corp. has agreed to pay a penalty of $15,845 and perform an environmental project worth $47,535 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it discharged oil into the Charles River on two occasions in 2002 and failed to develop spill control plans at four facilities used for storing oil.
    (05/27/2004) New Hampshire Real Estate Developer and Contractor Charged With Clean Water Act Violations - Boston, MA -- An enforcement action has been filed against K&B Development, LLC, and American Excavating Corp. for violations of the Clean Water Act at the Collins Way construction site in Pelham, N.H.
    (05/26/2004) EPA settles case with U.S. Army and Washington Group International for release of nerve agent at Johnston Island - SAN FRANCISCO -- As part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army and its contractor, Washington Group International, Inc., will pay $51,699 for the August 2002 release of a nerve agent at the Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System facility.
    (05/26/2004) U.S. EPA fines Culver City company $4,400 for pesticide violation - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Jason Natural Products, Inc. $4,400 for allegedly selling and distributing a sunscreen that makes insect repellent claims without proper registration, which is a violation of federal pesticide law.
    (05/26/2004) U.S. EPA fines pesticide importer $13,000 - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Nichino America, Inc. $13,000 for allegedly attempting to import an unregistered and misbranded pesticide into the Port of Long Beach, Calif.(05/05/2004) Phosphorous Manufacturer Fined $18 million in a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Case - Rhodia, Inc., of Cranbury, N.J., former operating company of an elemental phosphorus manufacturing plant in Silver Bow, Mont., was sentenced on April 29 for its conviction on two felony counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. Rhodia will pay a $16.2 million fine and an additional $1.8 million in restitution to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The company must also serve five years probation, which could be extended if site clean-up is not completed. Rhodia manufactured elemental phosphorus at the Silver Bow plant from 1986 until its closure in 1996. In its previous guilty plea, Rhodia admitted that from Jan. 1999 until Aug. 2000, it illegally stored carbon brick and precipitator dust contaminated with elemental phosphorus waste at the closed plant. Rhodia also admitted that following plant closure, it illegally stored elemental phosphorus sludge at the site in a large concrete tank. Waste elemental phosphorus is highly reactive, can ignite when exposed to air and presents a significant risk to human health and the environment. The case was investigated by the Denver Area Office of EPA''''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality with the assistance of EPA''''s National Enforcement Investigations Center, and with legal and technical assistance provided by EPA Region 8''''s offices in Denver and Helena, Mont. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''''s Office in Missoula.
    (05/26/2004) U.S. announces largest penalty ever against a public water system in Monterey County, California - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Justice Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Judge Jeremy Fogel, of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in San Jose, issued an order on May 20 imposing the largest penalty ever against a public water system.
    (05/25/2004) Pennsylvania Company Pleads Guilty in Multi-State Wastewater Pollution Case - The PQ Corporation of Valley Forge, Pa. pled guilty on May 13 to violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its plants in St. Louis, Mo., Chester, Pa., and Baltimore, Md. by improperly discharging wastewater into public sewers and surface waters. The previous charges filed in three Federal Districts against PQ were combined into one case in Maryland court. According to the plea agreement, PQ will pay a $450,000 fine, provide $60,000 in restitution to the City of Baltimore, $47,000 to the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority, serve three years probation and pay $50,000 to fund community service projects. PQ''s facilities manufacture a variety of inorganic chemicals including water-soluble sodium silicates that are used in detergents, silica gel, adhesives and catalysts. The March 2004 charges claimed that PQ discharged wastewater in violation of applicable CWA pretreatment requirements from its St. Louis and Chester facilities into sewer systems operated by Metropolitan St. Louis and Delaware County. PQ was also charged with discharging wastewater without a CWA permit from its Baltimore facility into U.S. waters. Discharging improperly treated wastewater into sewers can damage sewage treatment equipment and prevent proper sewage treatment. Unpermitted discharge of wastewater can also harm fish and wildlife and make the waters unsafe for recreational or drinking water purposes. The case was investigated by the Washington, Philadelphia and St. Louis Area Offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency''s Criminal Investigation Division, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Maryland Attorney General''s Office, and the Metropolitan Sewer District of St. Louis with the assistance of EPA''s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It has been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Offices in St. Louis, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
    (05/25/2004) Pennsylvania Company and Owner Indicted on Water Charges - Chester McNally and his company, Keystone Insulator-Cleaner, Inc.of Bedford, Pa., were indicted May 19 on one charge of conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act (CWA) and two charges of violating the CWA. The indictment alleges that from Sept. 2001 to Apr. 2003, McNally and Keystone conspired with others to dump wastes into Imlertown Run and adjacent wetlands located on McNally''s property in Bedford. The indictment further alleges that around Sept. 2001, McNally and Keystone dumped both household waste and waste from the operation of Keystone vehicles into the run and wetlands. The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Pennsylvania Attorney General''s Office. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Pittsburgh. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (05/25/2004) Bridge Contractor Pleads Guilty to Water Violations in North Carolina - Balfour Beatty Construction, Inc. (BBC), a subsidiary of the United Kingdom company, Balfour Beatty, PLC, pled guilty on May 17 to violating both the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Clean Water Act. In its plea, BBC admitted to illegally acting without an Army Corps of Engineers permit in Oct. 2002, when it dredged a portion of the Croatan Sound in North Carolina, and discharged the dredged spoil into the Sound. The violations occurred when BBC''s employees removed a temporary load-out trestle that had been constructed in shallow waters near Manns Harbor. The construction was part of the Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge project, which built a five-mile bridge spaning the Croatan Sound from Manns Harbor to Manteo, N.C. In order to get a crane to the trestle site, BBC employees used backwash from a tugboat propeller to cut a channel next to the bridge trestle. As a result, 5500 cubic yards of dredged spoil was expelled from the channel and deposited on 8.2 acres of habitat on the sound bottom. Croatan Sound has been designated as high quality waters by the federal government because it is an essential area for spawning fish and/or wildlife. Covering such a habitat with spoil can damage fish and wildlife. When sentenced, BBC faces a maximum penalty of up to $200,000 and/or up to five years probation on each count. The case was investigated by EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
    (05/25/2004) Waste Disposal Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Hazardous Waste Dumping in Alabama - On May 17, Don Milton White, a private contractor from Mobile, Ala., pled guilty to two counts of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). White contracted with the Escambia County, Fla. Utility Authority to transport and dispose of wastes from its wastewater treatment facility. The wastes included oils, tar, paint wastes, hydraulic fluid and solvents, which are required under RCRA to be disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility. Instead, White dumped these chemicals at separate locations throughout Southern Alabama. Of the hundreds of gallons of wastes White illegally discarded, some was highly corrosive liquid regulated as hazardous waste under federal law. Dumping waste oils, fluids and solvents on the ground can create a contamination hazard for humans and wildlife. The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, EPA''s Emergency Response Branch and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Mobile and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
    (05/05/2004) EPA and North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources coordinate storm water and enforcement actions in Charlotte, North Carolina under the Clean Water Act - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) have completed Clean Water Act compliance and enforcement actions in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. These coordinated actions, in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, addressed violations associated with the treatment and disposal of storm water at construction sites which resulted in adverse impacts on water quality.
    (05/20/2004) EPA orders Phoenix company to stop venting emissions into the air - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered a Maricopa County expanded-polystyrene foam manufacturer to comply with air quality permits that limit the amount of volatile organic compounds released into the air from its operations.
    (05/19/2004) Minnesota Auto Shop Owner Charged in Discharge Case - Robert Steinmetz of Prior Lake, Minn. was charged on May 11 with violating the Clean Water Act. Steinmetz is the former owner of Riverwood Auto, an auto repair firm, and Diamondback Bedliner, a manufacturer of automotive bedliner coatings, both located in Bloomington, Minn. The indictment charges that in Nov. 2003, Steinmetz knowingly discharged wastewater containing petroleum-based chemicals into a storm sewer that feeds into the Minnesota River. Steinmetz also allegedly made a false statement, saying that he only dumped two drums of water. The case was investigated by the Chicago Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Minneapolis. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (05/19/2004) Minnesota Company and Individuals Indicted in Industrial Wastewater Case - On May 11, Prime Plating, a metal finishing business in Maple Grove, Minn.; Scott Hanson, its owner; and two other individuals, Sam Opare-Addo and Arlynn Hanson, were each charged with conspiracy to violate the Clean Water Act (CWA) and multiple counts of violating the CWA. The Prime Plating business, Scott Hanson and Opare-Addo were also charged with conspiracy to make a false statement and Opare-Addo was charged with three counts of making a false statement. In June and July of 2003, the defendants allegedly conspired to discharge industrial wastewater from the facility without having a functioning pre-treatment system for its waste, as required by law. During this period, the defendants allegedly discharged untreated wastewater directly into sewers using pumps and garden hoses, and allegedly conspired to hide the illegal discharges from state and federal regulators. Discharging plating wastes into sewers can prevent the proper treatment of sewage at treatment facilities. The case was investigated by the Chicago Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services with the assistance of EPA''s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Minneapolis. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (05/19/2004) Minnesota Company and Individuals Indicted in Sewer Line Case - Hardcoat, Inc., of St. Louis Park, Minn.; its owner, Kenneth Heroux, and George Miklasevics, an environmental consultant; were each indicted on May 11 on charges that they conspired to make false statements regarding a severely corroded sewer line. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to falsely tell state and federal investigators that no problems were discovered during a permit renewal inspection of a sewer pipe used to discharge pre-treated industrial wastes. In reality, the pipe had several breaks through which pre-treated industrial wastes could have leaked. The defendants replaced the pipe, but hid the fact that the pipe had been compromised. The case was investigated by the Chicago Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Minneapolis. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (05/19/2004) Ohio Company and Officials Sentenced for Illegal Sewer Discharge - Rees Plating Corporation of Stark County, Ohio; John H. Whitacre, Rees Plating''s President; and William T. Holland and Thomas R. Whitacre, both Vice-Presidents of Rees Plating, were all sentenced on May 11 for violating the Clean Water Act by discharging hazardous levels of chemicals into public sewers. John Whitacre and William Holland will serve five months in prison, five months home confinement and 19 months of supervised release. Thomas Whitacre will serve six months of home confinement followed by 18 months of probation. In addition, John Whitacre and Rees Plating were each fined $5,000. Thomas Whitacre will perform 200 hours of community service and Rees Plating was ordered to print a public apology in the Canton Repository newspaper. The defendants were previously convicted of discharging unpermitted levels of zinc and chromium into the Massillon, Ohio public sewer system, which can damage sewage treatment equipment and can prevent the proper treatment of sewage. The case was investigated by the Cleveland Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Northeast Ohio Environmental Task Force including the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency''s office of Special Investigations. It was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Cleveland.
    (05/19/2004) Two Wisconsin Men Convicted in Illegal Asbestos Removal Case - Michael L. Smith and Lawrence J. Williams, partners in Smith Renovations of Janesville, Wis., were each convicted on May 5 of violating the Clean Air Act (CAA) by improper removal of asbestos. The jury found Smith guilty of five counts and Williams guilty on one count. In Apr. 2002, Smith Renovations contracted with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Horeb, Wis., to remove asbestos-containing ceiling and flooring material. The defendants hired a licensed asbestos removal firm to remove the flooring, but in July they removed the asbestos-containing ceiling material themselves without following federally-mandated workplace practices. Improperly removing asbestos can cause workers and others entering the work area to inhale airborne asbestos fibers, which is a known cause of lung cancer, the lung disease "asbestosis," and mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. Each count of violating the CAA carries a maximum prison sentence of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Occupational Health Laboratory. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Madison, Wisc.
    (05/05/2004) Company and Owners Charged with Clean Water Act Violations - Olymco, Inc., a Delaware chrome plating corporation doing business in the Canton, Ohio area, and its owners, Alex Sklavenitis and Nick Koumoutzis, were each charged on April 28 with allegedly violating the Clean Water Act by knowingly discharging industrial wastewater containing chromium into the Canton public sewer system. Discharging chromium into sewer systems can interfere with the proper treatment of sewage, causing surface waters downstream from treatment plant outflows to be unhealthful for fish and wildlife. The contaminated waters can also become unuseable for drinking water and recreational purposes. The case was investigated by the Cleveland Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and the City of Canton Wastewater Treatment Department. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Cleveland. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
    (05/18/2004) EPA settles enforcement action with Cocos Lagoon Development Corporation for underground storage tank violations on Saipan - HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined the Cocos Lagoon Development Corp. $15,518 for alleged federal underground storage tank violations in Saipan.
    (05/17/2004) U.S. EPA fines San Luis Obispo company for pesticide violation - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined ClearWater Tech, LLC $4,400 for allegedly failing to register the San Luis Obispo, Calif. facility with the EPA prior to production of a pesticide device.
    (05/14/2004) Keizer, Oregon company pays wetlands fine - The Windsor Rock Products Company, Inc., near Keizer, OR, has restored a damaged wetland on its property and has agreed to pay a $5850 penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to settle alleged wetlands violations.
    (05/10/2004) Ninilchik Broadcaster to Restore Wetlands, Pay $17,000 Penalty - The Northwest regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled its complaint against Alexander Kozned, President and CEO of Aurora Communications International, Inc., for a number of significant violations of the federal Clean Water Act committed by Kozned on Aurora''s property on Cook Inlet.
    (05/06/2004) EPA Cites Redmond Co. for 304 Violations of Federal Pesticide Laws - In one of the biggest federal pesticide cases ever filed in the Northwest, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a 304-count complaint against Redmond-based Argent Chemical Laboratories alleging the company illegally produced, sold, imported, and exported a variety of potentially dangerous pesticides. Each count carries a penalty of up to $5,500.
    (05/06/2004) EPA fines Phoenix paint company $12,375 for toxic chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined a South Phoenix paint manufacturer $12,375 for failing to report the amount of a toxic chemical released from its facility, a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (05/05/2004) Connecticut Company Fined $10 Million for Clean Water Act Violations - On Apr. 29, Tyco Printed Circuit Group (TCPG) of Stafford, Conn., a subsidiary of Tyco International, pled guilty to 12 counts of violating the Clean Water Act (CWA) for discharge of hazardous pollutants into sewage treatment systems. The plea agreement calls for TPCG to pay a $6 million federal fine, provide $2.7 million to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection''''s (DEP) natural resources fund, pay $500,000 each to the Towns of Stafford and Manchester to fund sewer and water treatment system improvements, and pay $300,000 to recycle deionized and other wastewater at TCPGs Stafford and Staffordville facilities. Between 1999 and June 2001, TCPG managers at the company''''s Stafford, Staffordville and Manchester facilities engaged in practices that caused the facilities to discharge wastewater with higher than permitted levels of pollutants into municipal sewage treatment systems. The illegal practices included discarding composite samples with excessive levels of toxic metals, omitting samples with pH levels that indicated non-compliance with permits and improperly diluting samples. Three former TCPG managers, Anthony Dadalt, Robert Smith and Daniel Callahan, await sentencing on separate charges in connection with this case. The case was investigated by the Boston Area Office of EPA''''s Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut DEP with the assistance of EPA''''s National Enforcement Investigations Center. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''''s Office in Hartford.

    April 2004

    (04/07/2004) EPA cites eight companies for violation of Architectural Coating Rules - CHICAGO (April 7, 2004)  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited eight companies  three in Michigan, two in Ohio and one each in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin  for alleged violations of federal architectural coating rules. Architectural coatings are paints and similar coverings used on building exteriors, pavements and curbs.
    (04/07/2004) New York Transportation Company Faces $10 Million Fine for Buzzards Bay Oil Spill - On March 29, Bouchard Transportation Company of Hicksville, N.Y. pled guilty to violating the Clean Water Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as a result of an oil spill in Buzzards Bay, Mass. The company admitted that improper operation of the tugboat, Evening Tide, led to a major spill in Buzzards Bay of Number 6 fuel oil, a heavy oil used by ocean liners and tankers as fuel. The spill killed 450 protected birds, necessitated the closure of thousands of acres of the bay''s shellfish beds and polluted nearly 90 miles of Mass. shoreline. On Apr. 27, 2003, the tug''s Mate piloted the vessel as it entered the bay''s channel. The mate left his post and the oil barge being towed by the tug drifted onto rocks outside the channel, damaging the barge and causing oil to spill into the bay. Removal of Number 6 oil from coastal areas is necessary because it degrades slowly, often lasting for years. The oil also harms wildlife by coating birds, smothering intertidal organisms and contaminating sediment. Bouchard Transportation has agreed to pay a $10 million fine, with $7 million going to the North American Wetlands Conservation fund. Of the remaining fine, $2 million will be paid to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and $1 million will be suspended if Bouchard Transportation successfully completes probation and establishes an environmental compliance program. The case was investigated by the Boston Area Office of EPA''s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service''s Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, the Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Massachusetts Attorney General''s Office. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office in Boston.
    (04/06/2004) Department of Veterans Affairs Agrees to $133,000 Settlement For Lead Paint Disclosure Violations in Maine and Massachusetts - BOSTON -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has agreed to pay a $10,068 penalty and perform environmental projects worth $123,050 to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it failed to properly inform tenants about potential lead hazards at employee housing provided by the department.
    (04/05/2004) Cambridge Plating To Pay $50,000 For Waste Violations - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Cambridge Plating, LLC has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine to settle allegations of violations of hazardous waste handling regulations at its Belmont metal-plating facility in 2002.
    (04/05/2004) EPA settles case against a Richmond company for toxic chemical release reporting violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached a $9,356 settlement with a Richmond company Professional Finishing, Inc. for failing to report the amount of a toxic chemical it was releasing from its facility, a violation of the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (04/01/2004) U.S. EPA fines Washington state dredging company for ocean dumping violations - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has reached a $100,000 settlement with a dredging company for ocean dumping violations that occurred during a harbor deepening project at the Port of Richmond in the late 1990s.
    (04/01/2004) U.S. files complaint against Tuba City gas station owners and operators for underground tank violations on Navajo Nation - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Attorney in Phoenix today filed a complaint on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency against owners and operators of a Tuba City gas station on the Navajo Nation for underground storage tank violations.

    March 2004

    (03/31/2004) EPA Files Complaint Over Hazardous Waste Violations by City of Lebanon, NH - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has filed an enforcement complaint against the City of Lebanon, N.H. for violations of hazardous waste laws at two City Department of Public Works maintenance garages, the City landfill, and the Lebanon Municipal Airport. The city faces a maximum penalty of $81,456.
    (03/30/2004) EPA orders gas company to comply with Clean Water Act on Navajo land - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordering Mountain States Petroleum Corp. to comply with the Clean Water Act requirements of its wastewater discharge permit on the Navajo Nation.
    (03/30/2004) US EPA orders gravel mine to comply with Clean Water Act - LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered Wayne J. Sand and Gravel to comply with the federal Clean Water Act over stormwater discharge violations at its industrial sand and gravel mine operation near Moorpark, Calif.
    (03/29/2004) EPA, Neoplan USA settle toxic release reporting case - Denver -- The Environmental Protection Agency today announced the settlement of an enforcement action initiated by the Agency against Neopolan U.S.A. Corporation of Lamar, Colo. for violations of the Toxic Release Inventory reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
    (03/26/2004) EPA Signs Environmental Self-Audit Agreements With Three New York Healthcare Institutions - New York, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into agreements with Alice Hyde Medical Center in upstate New York, Columbia University Medical Center in New York City and the Riverside Health Care System in Westchester to conduct comprehensive environmental audits of their facilities.
    (03/26/2004) EPA Takes Enforcement Action Against Seabrook, NH for Clean Water Act Violations - BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has issued a compliance order and filed an administrative complaint against the town of Seabrook, NH for alleged Clean Water Act violations at its wastewater treatment plant which discharges into the Atlantic Ocean.
    (03/26/2004) EPA cites Bombardier for clean-air violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Bombardier Recreational Products for alleged violations of federal and state clean-air regulations at the company''s fiberglass boat manufacturing plant, 451 E. Illinois Ave., Benton, Ill.
    (03/26/2004) EPA reaches agreement with demolition contractors on clean-air violations - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Demolition Contractors Inc., 675 Richmond St. N.W., Grand Rapids, Mich., on alleged violations of federal and state clean-air regulations.
    (03/25/2004) U.S. EPA Orders Seven-Up to clean up waste water discharge from Sacramento facility - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered the Seven-Up/RC Bottling Company Inc. of San Francisco to immediately comply with the federal Clean Water Act at the company''s Sacramento facility.
    (03/24/2004) Alcan Aluminum Pays EPA $14 Million in Landmark Superfund Case - NEW YORK, N.Y. - A landmark Superfund case was put to bed this week when Alcan Aluminum Corporation paid the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) almost $14 million to cover past cleanup costs and interest for the Pollution Abatement Services (PAS) site in Oswego, New York and the Fulton Terminals site in Fulton, New York.
    (03/23/2004) U.S. EPA enters consent decree at Stringfellow Superfund Site $1.7 million reimbursed for costs of response to restore clean water in Riverside County - LOS ANGELES -- As part of a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pyrite Group will pay $1.65 million have been held in escrow pending dispute resolution for past costs associated with the Stringfellow Acid Pits Superfund Site in Riverside County, Calif.
    ( 03/23/2004) U.S. EPA fines LA Water and Power $42,284 for failing to notify authorities of a hazardous chemical release - LOS ANGELES -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power $42, 284 for failing to immediately report authorities its release of hazardous chemicals at its Symar, Calif. facility in 2002.
    (03/22/2004) EPA orders Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership to correct stormwater violations on Kauai - HONOLULU -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered Bali Hai Villas Limited Partnership to comply with Clean Water Act requirements at a residential construction project in Princeville, Kaua''i.
    (03/18/2004) Agreement signed to address Hartford, Illinois, contamination and vapor problems - CHICAGO -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has signed an agreement with three oil companies to tackle ongoing hazardous vapor problems caused by a large, underground pool of petroleum products in Hartford, Ill. The companies also agreed to design a permanent cleanup plan.
    ( 03/18/2004) Three Idaho Men Indicted in Oil-Based Paint Hazardous Waste Disposal Case - Dennis D. Ellis of Boise, Idaho, Robert Mominee, currently of Salem, Ore., and Paul Woods of Wilder, Idaho, were indicted on March 10 on charges that they allegedly conspired to violate the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Hazardous Materials Transportation and Uniform Safety Act by transporting waste without a permit, transporting it to an unpermitted facility and illegally disposing of the waste. Mominee is also charged with making a false statement to EPA agents.
    (03/16/2004) Nautilus Foods Settles EPA Clean Water Act Complaint for $15,000 - Nautilus Foods, a Valdez-based salmon processor, has settled an EPA-issued complaint for violations of the federal Clean Water Act, including violation of Alaska state water quality standards, failure to properly treat seafood processing waste, failure to monitor as required by Nautilus''s discharge permit, failure to submit required reports, and failure to maintain seafood waste conveyance systems.
    (03/16/2004) U.S. Announces Major Clean Air Act Settlement With Santee Cooper     - The Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with the State of South Carolina, today announced a major Clean Air Act settlement with the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper). The settlement resolves the federal government's claims that Santee Cooper violated the Clean Air Act New Source Review program at several of its plants by undertaking construction activities and increasing emissions of air pollution without installing required pollution controls. The settlement is expected to eliminate almost 70,000 tons of harmful air pollutants annually from four of Santee Cooper's existing coal-fired electricity generating plants in South Carolina. [ For more information ]
    (03/12/2004) Consent Decree Entered for Atlas Tack Superfund Site in Fairhaven, MA - BOSTON -- The US District Court in Massachusetts on March 1 entered a consent decree for the Atlas Tack Corporation Superfund site in Fairhaven, MA.
    (03/11/2004) Retailers Ordered to Stop Sales of Counterfeit Pesticide Products For Dogs and Cats - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is acting to disrupt an effort to distribute counterfeit pet pesticides. The agency has ordered pesticide distributors and retailers in a number of states to stop selling counterfeit pet pesticide products which falsely contain EPA Registration numbers and labeling for the Advantage and Frontline brands of pesticides. Advantage and Frontline are trade names of widely available pesticides for control of fleas and ticks on cats and dogs.
    (03/03/2004) U.S. EPA cites Guam facilities for underground fuel tank violations - HONOLULU - T he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working with Guam Environmental Protection Agency staff, fined four Guam facilities a total of $1,800 recently for federal underground storage tank violations as part of a larger effort to protect groundwater sources and local habitat in Micronesia.

    February 2004

    ( 02/27/2004) EPA fines Tucson company $12,995 for failing to report storage of a hazardous chemical - SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today fined a Tucson company $12,995 for failing to report to the appropriate authorities on the amount the facility was storing of a hazardous chemical, a violation of federal emergency planning and community-right-to-know laws.
    (02/25/2004) EPA fines 22 California companies for failing to file hazardous waste reports - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined 22 California companies a collective $48,000 for not filing biennial hazardous waste reports with the agency.
    (02/23/2004) EPA Action Brings Better Lead-Based Paint Information to Tenants of 1,800 Apartments - New York, N. Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement for $4,290 with Kriegman & Smith, Inc. (K&S) of Roseland, New Jersey.
    ( 02/23/2004) US Sues Dry Cleaners to Enforce EPA Orders - New York, N.Y . - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United States Attorney's office for the Southern District of New York announced today that they have filed a complaint against Splendid Enterprises Limited of New York City for failing to pay a penalty assessed by an EPA Administrative Law Judge for hazardous waste violations

    January 2004

    (01/14/2004) EPA approves partial removal of Oahu's Del Monte site from Superfund List - HONOLULU- -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently approved the removal of the Poamoho section of Del Monte Corporation's Kunia, Oahu pineapple plantation from the national Superfund list.
    (01/15/2004) EPA Cites Hazardous Waste Violations at Two Southeastern Pa. Foundries - PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited two metal foundries in southeastern Pennsylvania for violations of federal hazardous waste regulations. In separate complaints, EPA has proposed a $69,198 penalty against Buck Company, Inc., owner of a foundry in Quarryville, Lancaster Co., Pa, and a $16,698 penalty against Kief Industries, Inc., owner of the Excelsior Brass Works foundry in Blandon, Berks Co., Pa.
    (01/15/2004) Emporia Foundry Settles Complaint Alleging Hazardous Waste Violations at Virginia Plant - PHILADELPHIA - Emporia Foundry has agreed to pay a $110,000 settlement and end the on-site treatment and storage of lead-containing baghouse dust. In a related settlement with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VaDEQ), the foundry will pay an additional $54,000 penalty to Virginia. VaDEQ will also review and approve closure plans for the on-site baghouse dust treatment unit and concrete pad where the treated dust was stored.
    01/27/2004) Sloan-Kettering Fined for Failure to Properly Manage Hazardous Waste - New York, N.Y. - - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has cited Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City for violating numerous hazardous waste management requirements. The Agency is seeking full compliance and $214,420 in penalties for the violations.
    ( 01/05/2004) Investigation of Areas of Vieques Begins - (04002) Vieques, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the beginning of the investigation of areas of eastern Vieques under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). As a part of this investigation, contractors working for the U.S. Navy will be sampling surface and subsurface soil and ground water from 10 newly installed wells. EPA, in cooperation with Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, will oversee the investigation.
    (01/30/2004) EPA/DOJ Enforcement Case Brings Clean Air Benefits to Boston - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Justice today announced that they have reached a $6 million enforcement case settlement with a local power plant that will result in significant air quality improvements for Boston school children and North Shore commuters, as well as a restored salt marsh in Chelsea and construction of a new commuter bike path across the Mystic River that will link Everett and Somerville.
    (01/29/2004) Ohio Rubber Company and President Plead Guilty to Clean Air Act Violations - William R. Mullins, President of Mullins Rubber Products (Mullins Rubber) Inc., of Riverside, Ohio; and his company each pled guilty on Jan. 16 to violating the Clean Air Act (CAA). Mullins pled guilty to four counts of making false statements when reporting airborne discharges of a solvent containing TCE, which was used by the company to degrease machines. Mullins Rubber Inc. pled guilty to one count of failing to submit a CAA Title V air discharge permit by an October 1996 deadline. From 1998 to 2001 Mullins Rubber Inc., underreported the amount of this TCE solvent used at their facility and also failed to apply for required discharge permits. Falsely reporting the amount of solvents released into the air can cause air pollution levels that may cause distress to individuals with respiratory problems. The plea agreement calls for Mullins to pay a $350,000 fine and provide an extra $50,000 to the Pulmonary Medicine Division of Children's Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. Mullins Rubber Inc. has agreed to pay a $100,000 fine pursuant to its plea. Final acceptance of both pleas will be determined by the Court at the time of sentencing. The case was investigated by the Cleveland Area Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Dayton.
    (01/28/2004) EPA Seeks Fine Against West Springfield for Oil Spill at High School - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has filed an enforcement complaint against the City of West Springfield regarding a 4,000 gallon oil spill last year at West Springfield High School. As part of the administrative process, EPA will be proposing a penalty which will reflect the seriousness of the violations.
    ( 01/14/2004) EPA Charges Three Companies With Stormwater Violations at Massachusetts Development - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has filed complaints against three New Hampshire-based companies for alleged violations of stormwater regulations at a residential development in Methuen, Massachusetts. The companies are Methuen Group Realty Trust, which owns the "Birch Hill Estates" subdivision; Ashwood Development Companies, the developer and general contractor for the development; and Park Construction Companies, the company responsible for road construction and utility installation at the site. The complaint seeks up to $137,500 for the alleged violations.
    ( 01/13/2004) EPA Announces $48 Million Cleanup Decision for the Beede Waste Oil Superfund Site in Plaistow N.H. - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced a $48 million cleanup plan for restoration of the 39-acre Beede Waste Oil Superfund site in Plaistow, N.H.
    (01/08/2004) EPA Orders Town of Great Barrington to Follow Clean Water Act - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has issued a compliance order to the Town of Great Barrington for alleged Clean Water Act violations at its wastewater treatment plant, which discharges into the Housatonic River.
    (01/08/2004) Hudson Company Pays $82,500 Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Violations - BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced it has settled an administrative complaint issued against Hudson Lock LLC of Hudson, MA for violations of the federal Clean Water Act.
    (01/23/2004) Wyoming Man Indicted for Clean Water Act Violations Affecting Indian Lands - John Hubenka, of Riverton, Wyo ., was indicted on Jan. 14 on charges that he allegedly built unpermitted dikes in Wyoming's Wind River in violation of the Clean Water Act. The indictment charges that between March 1999 and November 1999, Hubenka performed dredging and construction to build three earthen dikes in the river without a proper permit. In the process he allegedly used earth moving equipment to discharge rock, sand and other dredge and fill material into the river. The alleged result was a change in the river's course that cut off approximately 300 acres of tribal land from the reservation. Separating tribal land from an Indian reservation can create an economic burden on tribal members who wish to use the land for agricultural or other economic purposes, and unpermitted discharge of dredge and fill material into rivers can harm fish and wildlife. The case was investigated by the Denver Area Office of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division with legal support from EPA Region 8 in Denver. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cheyenne. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.


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    Interesting Reads:

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    The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming

    Book: The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Paperback




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