North Denver waste solvent facility among several in proposed national settlement resolving alleged hazardous waste violations
DENVER (December 7, 2023) -- Today, EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (HCC) to resolve pending claims of the United States on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and the State of Indiana for violations of requirements governing management of hazardous waste, as well as a violation of used oil management requirements, at current or former HCC facilities located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; and Denver, Colorado.
Under the settlement, HCC commits to pay civil penalties totaling $1,162,500 and to implement various measures to ensure that HCC facilities will not treat, store or dispose of parts-washing solvents that qualify as hazardous waste unless and until HCC receives a hazardous waste permit authorizing it to manage hazardous waste. Plaintiffs estimate that the compliance measures required under the settlement will cost at least $1,628,502.
“This settlement reflects our commitment to protecting communities, including North Denver, from the potential risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “HCC’s compliance actions will ensure the safe handling of solvents and reduce potential harm to people and the environment.”
“While federal law encourages responsible recycling of hazardous waste, recyclers must still comply with legal requirements designed to ensure the health and safety of our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring that hazardous waste recycling operations are conducted in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its regulations.”
In January 2022, a twenty-one-count complaint was filed against HCC in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable state law. The complaint states that in the course of providing parts washing services to customers throughout the United States, HCC accepted some used solvent that qualified as hazardous waste, but HCC did not transport and manage those solvents in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements.
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Denver facility
The proposed settlement includes the resolution of alleged violations and remedies associated with the Denver Heritage Crystal Clean (HCC) facility at 5221 Monroe Street, located in the North Denver-Commerce City area, a historically overburdened neighborhood. HCC delivers solvent products to area customers from this facility which are used for parts washing. HCC’s Denver facility then brings used solvent from its customers back to the facility for transfer to other HCC facilities for reclamation. The primary solvent (142 Mineral Spirits) managed at the facility is an organic solvent with a claimed flash point of 142 degrees. An EPA inspection found that containers with used 142 Mineral Spirits on site exceeded the regulatory limit for tetrachloroethylene, making the solvent a characteristic hazardous waste subject to specific RCRA requirements.
EPA has determined the Denver HCC facility is not handling hazardous spent 142 Mineral Spirits solvent according to RCRA requirements. Specifically, EPA found that HCC transported hazardous spent 142 Mineral Spirits solvent without documentation required by RCRA and stored the hazardous waste solvent at the Denver facility without first obtaining a permit. The settlement includes a sampling program to ensure hazardous wastes are properly identified and requires HCC to promptly remove any 142 solvent drums and consolidation containers with hazardous waste characteristics. The facility will manage such wastes in accordance with applicable hazardous waste requirements in the future.
National Settlement Details
The EPA/DOJ complaint states that HCC (1) transported hazardous waste without required hazardous waste manifests, (2) stored hazardous waste at various HCC facilities without required permits, (3) failed to make required hazardous waste determinations after mixing used solvents from different parts washing customers, (4) failed to comply with certain requirements for reducing air emissions from certain hazardous waste tanks and equipment, and (5) failed to maintain adequate secondary containment for certain hazardous waste tanks. The proposed settlement includes numerous other provisions specific to each facility, as well as provisions that require HCC to distribute educational materials to parts-washing customers in specified circumstances, and provisions for HCC to retain a third party to conduct audits at designated HCC facilities to ensure future compliance.
The five HCC facilities included in this settlement are recognized by EPA to be located within communities with potential environmental justice concerns. Nearby communities will benefit from the improved controls and new work practices that will be implemented at HCC facilities as required by the consent decree. These new controls and practices will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to neighboring communities and reduce risk of exposure by ensuring lower volumes of hazardous wastes are managed at these facilities.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice consent decrees website.
For more information about this settlement, please visit Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC RCRA Settlement Information Sheet.
Under the settlement, HCC commits to pay civil penalties totaling $1,162,500 and to implement various measures to ensure that HCC facilities will not treat, store or dispose of parts-washing solvents that qualify as hazardous waste unless and until HCC receives a hazardous waste permit authorizing it to manage hazardous waste. Plaintiffs estimate that the compliance measures required under the settlement will cost at least $1,628,502.
“This settlement reflects our commitment to protecting communities, including North Denver, from the potential risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals,” said Suzanne Bohan, director of EPA Region 8’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “HCC’s compliance actions will ensure the safe handling of solvents and reduce potential harm to people and the environment.”
“While federal law encourages responsible recycling of hazardous waste, recyclers must still comply with legal requirements designed to ensure the health and safety of our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring that hazardous waste recycling operations are conducted in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its regulations.”
In January 2022, a twenty-one-count complaint was filed against HCC in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable state law. The complaint states that in the course of providing parts washing services to customers throughout the United States, HCC accepted some used solvent that qualified as hazardous waste, but HCC did not transport and manage those solvents in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements.
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Denver facility
The proposed settlement includes the resolution of alleged violations and remedies associated with the Denver Heritage Crystal Clean (HCC) facility at 5221 Monroe Street, located in the North Denver-Commerce City area, a historically overburdened neighborhood. HCC delivers solvent products to area customers from this facility which are used for parts washing. HCC’s Denver facility then brings used solvent from its customers back to the facility for transfer to other HCC facilities for reclamation. The primary solvent (142 Mineral Spirits) managed at the facility is an organic solvent with a claimed flash point of 142 degrees. An EPA inspection found that containers with used 142 Mineral Spirits on site exceeded the regulatory limit for tetrachloroethylene, making the solvent a characteristic hazardous waste subject to specific RCRA requirements.
EPA has determined the Denver HCC facility is not handling hazardous spent 142 Mineral Spirits solvent according to RCRA requirements. Specifically, EPA found that HCC transported hazardous spent 142 Mineral Spirits solvent without documentation required by RCRA and stored the hazardous waste solvent at the Denver facility without first obtaining a permit. The settlement includes a sampling program to ensure hazardous wastes are properly identified and requires HCC to promptly remove any 142 solvent drums and consolidation containers with hazardous waste characteristics. The facility will manage such wastes in accordance with applicable hazardous waste requirements in the future.
National Settlement Details
The EPA/DOJ complaint states that HCC (1) transported hazardous waste without required hazardous waste manifests, (2) stored hazardous waste at various HCC facilities without required permits, (3) failed to make required hazardous waste determinations after mixing used solvents from different parts washing customers, (4) failed to comply with certain requirements for reducing air emissions from certain hazardous waste tanks and equipment, and (5) failed to maintain adequate secondary containment for certain hazardous waste tanks. The proposed settlement includes numerous other provisions specific to each facility, as well as provisions that require HCC to distribute educational materials to parts-washing customers in specified circumstances, and provisions for HCC to retain a third party to conduct audits at designated HCC facilities to ensure future compliance.
The five HCC facilities included in this settlement are recognized by EPA to be located within communities with potential environmental justice concerns. Nearby communities will benefit from the improved controls and new work practices that will be implemented at HCC facilities as required by the consent decree. These new controls and practices will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to neighboring communities and reduce risk of exposure by ensuring lower volumes of hazardous wastes are managed at these facilities.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice consent decrees website.
For more information about this settlement, please visit Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC RCRA Settlement Information Sheet.
EPA recognizes U.S. Finishing/ Cone Mills Superfund Site for Excellence in Site Reuse Award
GREENVILLE, S.C. (December 7, 2023)- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented its Excellence in Site Reuse Award to Cone Mills Acquisition Group (CMAG), a partnership between 13th Floor Investments and Warhaft Group, in recognition of their commitment and dedication for remediating the U.S Finishing/Cone Mills Superfund Site.
This award, in support of the Superfund Redevelopment Program, recognizes the accomplishments of a collaborative partnership between federal, state and private industry in returning the contaminated Superfund site into a long-term sustainable and productive reuse property.
“EPA is honored to recognize the hard work and essential partnerships needed to restore, redevelop, and reuse the contaminated Superfund site, said Caroline Freeman, EPA Region 4 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director.” This partnership embodies the commitment of EPA and project partners to build a promising future for the community in the Southeast area.”
"Recognizing the challenges left behind by the mill's closure, Cone Mills Acquisition Group, alongside 13th Floor Investments, Warhaft Group, and Atlas Capital Group, embarked on a transformative journey, working collaboratively with EPA, DHEC, and Greenville County to not only remediate environmental issues but also revive this once-thriving part of the Upstate,” said David Resnick, Vice President at 13th Floor Investments, and Dean Warhaft, Principal of Warhaft Group. “As private developers engaged in a successful Public Private Partnership, we've bridged gaps between governmental entities, maximizing our potential to bring positive change. 'On the Trail' is not just a project; it's a commitment to fixing problems, creating a legacy we can be proud of in front of our children and ensuring a better world for generations to come."
The U.S. Finishing /Cone Mills site approximately three miles north of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The former site was a textile mill constructed in 1903, operated until 2003 when a fire destroyed the main plant. The total property is 260 acres.
Visit the EPA website for more information on Superfund Redevelopment.
Learn more about the 2023 National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards.
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This award, in support of the Superfund Redevelopment Program, recognizes the accomplishments of a collaborative partnership between federal, state and private industry in returning the contaminated Superfund site into a long-term sustainable and productive reuse property.
“EPA is honored to recognize the hard work and essential partnerships needed to restore, redevelop, and reuse the contaminated Superfund site, said Caroline Freeman, EPA Region 4 Superfund and Emergency Management Division Director.” This partnership embodies the commitment of EPA and project partners to build a promising future for the community in the Southeast area.”
"Recognizing the challenges left behind by the mill's closure, Cone Mills Acquisition Group, alongside 13th Floor Investments, Warhaft Group, and Atlas Capital Group, embarked on a transformative journey, working collaboratively with EPA, DHEC, and Greenville County to not only remediate environmental issues but also revive this once-thriving part of the Upstate,” said David Resnick, Vice President at 13th Floor Investments, and Dean Warhaft, Principal of Warhaft Group. “As private developers engaged in a successful Public Private Partnership, we've bridged gaps between governmental entities, maximizing our potential to bring positive change. 'On the Trail' is not just a project; it's a commitment to fixing problems, creating a legacy we can be proud of in front of our children and ensuring a better world for generations to come."
The U.S. Finishing /Cone Mills site approximately three miles north of downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The former site was a textile mill constructed in 1903, operated until 2003 when a fire destroyed the main plant. The total property is 260 acres.
Visit the EPA website for more information on Superfund Redevelopment.
Learn more about the 2023 National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards.
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La planta de solventes de desechos del norte de Denver se encuentra entre varias dentro del acuerdo nacional propuesto que resuelve presuntas violaciones de desechos peligrosos
DENVER (7 de diciembre de 2023) -- Hoy, la EPA y el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos anunciaron un acuerdo con Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (HCC) para resolver las reclamaciones pendientes de los Estados Unidos en nombre de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Luisiana (LDEQ) y el Estado de Indiana por infracciones contra los requisitos que rigen el manejo de desechos peligrosos, así como una infracción contra los requisitos del manejo de aceite usado, en instalaciones actuales o anteriores de HCC ubicadas en Indianápolis, Indiana; Shreveport, Luisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Fairless Hills, Pensilvania; y Denver, Colorado.
Según el acuerdo propuesto, HCC se compromete a pagar multas civiles por un total de $1,162,500 y a implementar varias medidas destinadas a garantizar que las instalaciones de HCC no traten, almacenen o eliminen solventes para lavar piezas que califiquen como desechos peligrosos a menos que HCC reciba un permiso de desechos peligrosos que lo autorice a manejar desechos peligrosos. Los demandantes estiman que las medidas de cumplimiento requeridas en virtud del acuerdo costarán al menos $1,628,502.
“Este acuerdo refleja nuestro compromiso de proteger a las comunidades, incluido el norte de Denver, del riesgo potencial de exposición a sustancias químicas peligrosas”, señaló Suzanne Bohan, directora de la División de Acatamiento y Garantía de Cumplimiento de la Región 8 de la EPA. “Las acciones de cumplimiento de HCC garantizarán el manejo seguro de los solventes y reducirán el daño potencial a las personas y al medioambiente”.
En enero de 2022, se presentó una demanda de veintiún cargos contra HCC en un tribunal federal de distrito en el Distrito Norte de Illinois en virtud de la Ley de Conservación y Recuperación de Recursos (RCRA) y la ley estatal aplicable. En la demanda se afirma que, en el transcurso de la prestación de servicios de lavado de piezas a clientes en todo Estados Unidos, HCC aceptó algunos solventes usados que reunían los requisitos para ser considerados residuos peligrosos, pero HCC no transportó ni manejó esos solventes de conformidad con los requisitos aplicables en materia de manejo de residuos peligrosos.
Instalaciones de Heritage-Crystal Clean en DenverEl acuerdo propuesto incluye la resolución de presuntas infracciones y remedios asociados con las instalaciones de Denver Heritage Crystal Clean (HCC) en 5221 Monroe Street, ubicadas en el área de North Denver-Commerce City, un vecindario históricamente sobrecargado. HCC suministra productos solventes a los clientes del área desde esta instalación que se utilizan para el lavado de piezas. Luego, las instalaciones de HCC en Denver traen el solvente usado de sus clientes a las instalaciones para transferirlo a otras instalaciones de HCC para su recuperación. El solvente primario (142 Mineral Spirits) manipulado en la instalación es un solvente orgánico con un punto de inflamación declarado de 142 grados. Una inspección de la EPA encontró que los contenedores con 142 Mineral Spirits usados en el sitio excedían el límite reglamentario de tetracloroetileno, lo que convierte al solvente en un residuo peligroso característico sujeto a los requisitos específicos de la RCRA.
La EPA ha determinado que la instalación de HCC en Denver no está manejando el solvente peligroso gastado de 142 Mineral Spirits de acuerdo con los requisitos de la RCRA. Específicamente, la EPA encontró que HCC transportó solvente de 142 Mineral Spirits sin la documentación requerida por la RCRA y almacenó el solvente de desechos peligrosos en las instalaciones de Denver sin obtener primero un permiso. El acuerdo incluye un programa de muestreo para garantizar que los desechos peligrosos se identifiquen adecuadamente y requiere que HCC retire rápidamente los 142 bidones de solventes y contenedores de consolidación con características de desechos peligrosos. La instalación manejará dichos desechos de acuerdo con los requisitos aplicables en materia de residuos peligrosos en el futuro.
Detalles del acuerdo nacionalLa demanda de la EPA/DOJ establece que HCC (1) transportó desechos peligrosos sin los manifiestos de desechos peligrosos requeridos, (2) almacenó desechos peligrosos en varias instalaciones de HCC sin los permisos requeridos, (3) no hizo las determinaciones requeridas de desechos peligrosos después de mezclar solventes usados de diferentes clientes de lavado de piezas, (4) no cumplió con ciertos requisitos para reducir las emisiones atmosféricas de ciertos tanques y equipos de desechos peligrosos, y (5) no mantuvo una contención secundaria adecuada para ciertos tanques de desechos peligrosos. La demanda alega que algunos solventes usados manipulados por HCC eran residuos peligrosos porque HCC debía someter el material a una separación sistemática por gravedad para que el material usado quedara apto para la reventa. Los demandantes sostienen que HCC evadió los requisitos de desechos peligrosos al afirmar indebidamente que los solventes inutilizables eran productos en lugar de desechos.
El acuerdo propuesto incluye muchas otras disposiciones, incluidas disposiciones que exigen que HCC distribuya materiales educativos a los clientes de lavado de piezas en circunstancias específicas, y disposiciones para que HCC contrate a un tercero para realizar auditorías en las instalaciones designadas de HCC a fin de garantizar el cumplimiento futuro.
La EPA reconoce que las cinco instalaciones de HCC incluidas en este acuerdo están ubicadas dentro de comunidades con posibles problemas de justicia ambiental. Las comunidades cercanas se beneficiarán de los controles mejorados y las nuevas prácticas de trabajo que se implementarán en las instalaciones de HCC según lo exige el decreto de consentimiento. Estos nuevos controles y prácticas reducirán las emisiones de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) a las comunidades vecinas y reducirán el riesgo de exposición al garantizar que se manejen volúmenes más bajos de desechos peligrosos en estas instalaciones.
El decreto de consentimiento propuesto, presentado en el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Norte de Illinois, está sujeto a un periodo de comentarios públicos federales de 30 días y a la aprobación del tribunal federal. El decreto de consentimiento se puede ver en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Para obtener más información sobre este acuerdo, visite Hoja informativa del acuerdo de RCRA de Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC.
Según el acuerdo propuesto, HCC se compromete a pagar multas civiles por un total de $1,162,500 y a implementar varias medidas destinadas a garantizar que las instalaciones de HCC no traten, almacenen o eliminen solventes para lavar piezas que califiquen como desechos peligrosos a menos que HCC reciba un permiso de desechos peligrosos que lo autorice a manejar desechos peligrosos. Los demandantes estiman que las medidas de cumplimiento requeridas en virtud del acuerdo costarán al menos $1,628,502.
“Este acuerdo refleja nuestro compromiso de proteger a las comunidades, incluido el norte de Denver, del riesgo potencial de exposición a sustancias químicas peligrosas”, señaló Suzanne Bohan, directora de la División de Acatamiento y Garantía de Cumplimiento de la Región 8 de la EPA. “Las acciones de cumplimiento de HCC garantizarán el manejo seguro de los solventes y reducirán el daño potencial a las personas y al medioambiente”.
En enero de 2022, se presentó una demanda de veintiún cargos contra HCC en un tribunal federal de distrito en el Distrito Norte de Illinois en virtud de la Ley de Conservación y Recuperación de Recursos (RCRA) y la ley estatal aplicable. En la demanda se afirma que, en el transcurso de la prestación de servicios de lavado de piezas a clientes en todo Estados Unidos, HCC aceptó algunos solventes usados que reunían los requisitos para ser considerados residuos peligrosos, pero HCC no transportó ni manejó esos solventes de conformidad con los requisitos aplicables en materia de manejo de residuos peligrosos.
Instalaciones de Heritage-Crystal Clean en DenverEl acuerdo propuesto incluye la resolución de presuntas infracciones y remedios asociados con las instalaciones de Denver Heritage Crystal Clean (HCC) en 5221 Monroe Street, ubicadas en el área de North Denver-Commerce City, un vecindario históricamente sobrecargado. HCC suministra productos solventes a los clientes del área desde esta instalación que se utilizan para el lavado de piezas. Luego, las instalaciones de HCC en Denver traen el solvente usado de sus clientes a las instalaciones para transferirlo a otras instalaciones de HCC para su recuperación. El solvente primario (142 Mineral Spirits) manipulado en la instalación es un solvente orgánico con un punto de inflamación declarado de 142 grados. Una inspección de la EPA encontró que los contenedores con 142 Mineral Spirits usados en el sitio excedían el límite reglamentario de tetracloroetileno, lo que convierte al solvente en un residuo peligroso característico sujeto a los requisitos específicos de la RCRA.
La EPA ha determinado que la instalación de HCC en Denver no está manejando el solvente peligroso gastado de 142 Mineral Spirits de acuerdo con los requisitos de la RCRA. Específicamente, la EPA encontró que HCC transportó solvente de 142 Mineral Spirits sin la documentación requerida por la RCRA y almacenó el solvente de desechos peligrosos en las instalaciones de Denver sin obtener primero un permiso. El acuerdo incluye un programa de muestreo para garantizar que los desechos peligrosos se identifiquen adecuadamente y requiere que HCC retire rápidamente los 142 bidones de solventes y contenedores de consolidación con características de desechos peligrosos. La instalación manejará dichos desechos de acuerdo con los requisitos aplicables en materia de residuos peligrosos en el futuro.
Detalles del acuerdo nacionalLa demanda de la EPA/DOJ establece que HCC (1) transportó desechos peligrosos sin los manifiestos de desechos peligrosos requeridos, (2) almacenó desechos peligrosos en varias instalaciones de HCC sin los permisos requeridos, (3) no hizo las determinaciones requeridas de desechos peligrosos después de mezclar solventes usados de diferentes clientes de lavado de piezas, (4) no cumplió con ciertos requisitos para reducir las emisiones atmosféricas de ciertos tanques y equipos de desechos peligrosos, y (5) no mantuvo una contención secundaria adecuada para ciertos tanques de desechos peligrosos. La demanda alega que algunos solventes usados manipulados por HCC eran residuos peligrosos porque HCC debía someter el material a una separación sistemática por gravedad para que el material usado quedara apto para la reventa. Los demandantes sostienen que HCC evadió los requisitos de desechos peligrosos al afirmar indebidamente que los solventes inutilizables eran productos en lugar de desechos.
El acuerdo propuesto incluye muchas otras disposiciones, incluidas disposiciones que exigen que HCC distribuya materiales educativos a los clientes de lavado de piezas en circunstancias específicas, y disposiciones para que HCC contrate a un tercero para realizar auditorías en las instalaciones designadas de HCC a fin de garantizar el cumplimiento futuro.
La EPA reconoce que las cinco instalaciones de HCC incluidas en este acuerdo están ubicadas dentro de comunidades con posibles problemas de justicia ambiental. Las comunidades cercanas se beneficiarán de los controles mejorados y las nuevas prácticas de trabajo que se implementarán en las instalaciones de HCC según lo exige el decreto de consentimiento. Estos nuevos controles y prácticas reducirán las emisiones de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) a las comunidades vecinas y reducirán el riesgo de exposición al garantizar que se manejen volúmenes más bajos de desechos peligrosos en estas instalaciones.
El decreto de consentimiento propuesto, presentado en el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Norte de Illinois, está sujeto a un periodo de comentarios públicos federales de 30 días y a la aprobación del tribunal federal. El decreto de consentimiento se puede ver en el sitio web del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Para obtener más información sobre este acuerdo, visite Hoja informativa del acuerdo de RCRA de Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC.
Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC to Pay More than $1.1 Million in Penalties and Implement Compliance Measures for Violations of Hazardous Waste Regulations
WASHINGTON – Today, EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC (HCC) to resolve pending claims of the United States on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), and the State of Indiana for violations of requirements governing management of hazardous waste, as well as a violation of used oil management requirements, at current or former HCC facilities located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; and Denver, Colorado. Under the settlement, HCC commits to pay civil penalties totaling $1,162,500 and to implement various measures to ensure that HCC facilities will not treat, store or dispose of parts-washing solvents that qualify as hazardous waste unless and until HCC receives a hazardous waste permit authorizing it to manage hazardous waste. Plaintiffs estimate that the compliance measures required under the settlement will cost at least $1,628,502.
“Companies that manage hazardous wastes for other companies are required to ensure that those wastes are handled properly, which Heritage Crystal Clean repeatedly failed to do,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to fair and robust enforcement of our hazardous waste laws to ensure that our communities and the environment are protected from mismanaged hazardous wastes.”
“While federal law encourages responsible recycling of hazardous waste, recyclers must still comply with legal requirements designed to ensure the health and safety of our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring that hazardous waste recycling operations are conducted in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its regulations.”
In January 2022, a 21-count complaint was filed against HCC in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable state law. The complaint states that in the course of providing parts-washing services to customers throughout the United States, HCC accepted some used solvent that qualified as hazardous waste, but HCC did not transport and manage those solvents in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements. In particular, the complaint states that HCC (1) transported hazardous waste without required hazardous waste manifests, (2) stored hazardous waste at various HCC facilities without required permits, (3) failed to make required hazardous waste determinations after mixing used solvents from different parts-washing customers, (4) failed to comply with certain requirements for reducing air emissions from certain hazardous waste tanks and equipment, and (5) failed to maintain adequate secondary containment for certain hazardous waste tanks. The complaint alleges that some used solvents managed by HCC were hazardous waste because HCC needed to subject the material to systematic gravity separation to make the used material suitable for resale. Plaintiffs contend HCC evaded hazardous waste requirements by improperly claiming that the unusable solvents were products instead of wastes.
As part of the settlement, HCC must perform compliance measures at multiple HCC facilities to achieve and maintain compliance with RCRA. As one element of the compliance program, the proposed settlement requires HCC to implement measures to ensure one type of used solvent referred to by HCC as “106 solvent” is acceptable for re-use without prior reclamation and that it is legitimately reused. The settlement will also prohibit gravity separation (removing water and solids while recovering the valuable solvent component) of used 106 solvent in order to meet re-use solvent customer product specifications or to otherwise render the material suitable for re-use. Used solvents that are legitimately reused for their solvent properties without prior reclamation are not subject to regulation as hazardous waste.
Another central element of the proposed settlement is a sampling program to determine whether another type of parts-washing solvent—referred to by HCC as “142 solvent”—exhibits hazardous waste characteristics. HCC must promptly remove from its facilities any 142 solvent drums and consolidation containers that exhibit hazardous waste characteristics, and HCC must thereafter manage such characteristic wastes in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements.
The proposed settlement also requires HCC to apply for a RCRA permit at its Indianapolis facility. Pending issuance of the permit and construction of certain hazardous waste management units, the settlement requires HCC to implement specified interim measures at the Indianapolis facility, including frequent inspections of tanks and containers, as well as elimination of open venting of tanks containing used 142 solvent.
Finally, the proposed settlement includes numerous other provisions, including provisions that require HCC to distribute educational materials to parts-washing customers in specified circumstances, and provisions for HCC to retain a third party to conduct audits at designated HCC facilities to ensure future compliance.
The five HCC facilities included in this settlement are recognized by EPA to be located within communities with potential environmental justice concerns. Nearby communities will benefit from the improved controls and new work practices that will be implemented at HCC facilities as required by the consent decree. These new controls and practices will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce risk of exposure to hazardous wastes managed at these facilities.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice consent decrees website.
For more information about this settlement, please visit Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC RCRA Settlement Information Sheet.
“Companies that manage hazardous wastes for other companies are required to ensure that those wastes are handled properly, which Heritage Crystal Clean repeatedly failed to do,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to fair and robust enforcement of our hazardous waste laws to ensure that our communities and the environment are protected from mismanaged hazardous wastes.”
“While federal law encourages responsible recycling of hazardous waste, recyclers must still comply with legal requirements designed to ensure the health and safety of our communities,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This settlement reflects our commitment to ensuring that hazardous waste recycling operations are conducted in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and its regulations.”
In January 2022, a 21-count complaint was filed against HCC in federal district court in the Northern District of Illinois under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable state law. The complaint states that in the course of providing parts-washing services to customers throughout the United States, HCC accepted some used solvent that qualified as hazardous waste, but HCC did not transport and manage those solvents in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements. In particular, the complaint states that HCC (1) transported hazardous waste without required hazardous waste manifests, (2) stored hazardous waste at various HCC facilities without required permits, (3) failed to make required hazardous waste determinations after mixing used solvents from different parts-washing customers, (4) failed to comply with certain requirements for reducing air emissions from certain hazardous waste tanks and equipment, and (5) failed to maintain adequate secondary containment for certain hazardous waste tanks. The complaint alleges that some used solvents managed by HCC were hazardous waste because HCC needed to subject the material to systematic gravity separation to make the used material suitable for resale. Plaintiffs contend HCC evaded hazardous waste requirements by improperly claiming that the unusable solvents were products instead of wastes.
As part of the settlement, HCC must perform compliance measures at multiple HCC facilities to achieve and maintain compliance with RCRA. As one element of the compliance program, the proposed settlement requires HCC to implement measures to ensure one type of used solvent referred to by HCC as “106 solvent” is acceptable for re-use without prior reclamation and that it is legitimately reused. The settlement will also prohibit gravity separation (removing water and solids while recovering the valuable solvent component) of used 106 solvent in order to meet re-use solvent customer product specifications or to otherwise render the material suitable for re-use. Used solvents that are legitimately reused for their solvent properties without prior reclamation are not subject to regulation as hazardous waste.
Another central element of the proposed settlement is a sampling program to determine whether another type of parts-washing solvent—referred to by HCC as “142 solvent”—exhibits hazardous waste characteristics. HCC must promptly remove from its facilities any 142 solvent drums and consolidation containers that exhibit hazardous waste characteristics, and HCC must thereafter manage such characteristic wastes in accordance with applicable hazardous waste management requirements.
The proposed settlement also requires HCC to apply for a RCRA permit at its Indianapolis facility. Pending issuance of the permit and construction of certain hazardous waste management units, the settlement requires HCC to implement specified interim measures at the Indianapolis facility, including frequent inspections of tanks and containers, as well as elimination of open venting of tanks containing used 142 solvent.
Finally, the proposed settlement includes numerous other provisions, including provisions that require HCC to distribute educational materials to parts-washing customers in specified circumstances, and provisions for HCC to retain a third party to conduct audits at designated HCC facilities to ensure future compliance.
The five HCC facilities included in this settlement are recognized by EPA to be located within communities with potential environmental justice concerns. Nearby communities will benefit from the improved controls and new work practices that will be implemented at HCC facilities as required by the consent decree. These new controls and practices will reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduce risk of exposure to hazardous wastes managed at these facilities.
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period and approval by the federal court. The consent decree can be viewed on the Department of Justice consent decrees website.
For more information about this settlement, please visit Heritage-Crystal Clean, LLC RCRA Settlement Information Sheet.
QB 24 – 201 2024 Beef
Commodity:
Beef as provided for in Chapter 2, Additional U.S. Note 3, of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS)
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024
Opening Day:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Restraint Level…
Beef as provided for in Chapter 2, Additional U.S. Note 3, of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS)
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024
Opening Day:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Restraint Level…
QB 24-212 2024 Tuna Opening Moment
Commodity:
Tuna and Skipjack, in airtight containers, not in oil, in containers, weighing with their contents not over 7 kg each.
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 12 noon E.S.T.…
Tuna and Skipjack, in airtight containers, not in oil, in containers, weighing with their contents not over 7 kg each.
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 12 noon E.S.T.…
American Forests Partners with USDA Forest Service to Expand Reforestation across National Forests
Originally posted by American Forests
WASHINGTON - Today, American Forests announced a first-of-its-kind $20 million keystone agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to help the agency organize and rapidly scale climate-adapted reforestation across millions of burned and degraded acres over the next five years.
WASHINGTON - Today, American Forests announced a first-of-its-kind $20 million keystone agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to help the agency organize and rapidly scale climate-adapted reforestation across millions of burned and degraded acres over the next five years.
QB 24 – 108 Panama Agriculture
Commodity:
Agriculture products as provided for in Chapter 99, Subchapter XIX.
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
The aggregate quantity of qualifying goods allow under subheadings is…
Agriculture products as provided for in Chapter 99, Subchapter XIX.
Quota Period:
January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
Opening Date:
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
The aggregate quantity of qualifying goods allow under subheadings is…