EPA Fines Waterloo, Iowa, Company for Alleged Chemical Risk Prevention Violations
LENEXA, KAN. (AUG. 14, 2023) – Advanced Heat Treat Corp. of Waterloo, Iowa, has agreed to pay a $85,000 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions.
“It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic releases, particularly those communities that may be disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company’s metallurgical heat treat facility stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with certain regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases, including failure to submit a Risk Management Plan and implement a hazard assessment. Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death.
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. is in a community identified by EPA as potentially more vulnerable to pollution due to socioeconomic factors. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high effects of pollution on vulnerable populations.
EPA says that Advanced Heat Treat has taken the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance.
Clean Air Act Risk Management Program Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for, and respond to, chemical emergencies in their community.
EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.
Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of seven National Compliance Initiatives in 2019.
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“It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic releases, particularly those communities that may be disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company’s metallurgical heat treat facility stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, a regulated toxic substance, and failed to comply with certain regulations intended to protect the surrounding community from accidental releases, including failure to submit a Risk Management Plan and implement a hazard assessment. Anhydrous ammonia presents a significant health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes and lungs. High levels of exposure may lead to choking and death.
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. is in a community identified by EPA as potentially more vulnerable to pollution due to socioeconomic factors. EPA is strengthening enforcement in such communities to address disproportionately high effects of pollution on vulnerable populations.
EPA says that Advanced Heat Treat has taken the necessary steps to return the facility to compliance.
Clean Air Act Risk Management Program Rule regulations require facilities that use regulated toxic and/or flammable substances to develop a Risk Management Plan that identifies the potential effects of a chemical accident, identifies steps a facility is taking to prevent an accident, and spells out emergency response procedures should an accident occur. These plans provide valuable information to local fire, police, and emergency response personnel to prepare for, and respond to, chemical emergencies in their community.
EPA has found that many regulated facilities are not adequately managing the risks that they pose or ensuring the safety of their facilities in a way that is sufficient to protect surrounding communities. Approximately 150 catastrophic accidents occur per year at regulated facilities. These accidents result in fatalities, injuries, significant property damage, evacuations, sheltering in place, or environmental damage. Many more accidents with lesser effects also occur, demonstrating a clear risk posed by these facilities.
Reducing risks from accidental releases of hazardous substances at industrial and chemical facilities is a top priority for EPA, which identified this goal as one of seven National Compliance Initiatives in 2019.
# # #
Learn more about EPA Region 7
View all Region 7 news releases
Connect with EPA Region 7 on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter: @EPARegion7
EPA Statement on Montana Court Ruling in Favor of Youth and their constitutional right to a healthful environment
HELENA, MT – Today, in response to the Montana First Judicial District Court’s ruling in favor of sixteen Montana youth and their constitutional right to a healthful environment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator KC Becker issued the following statement:
“Across the nation, young people are sounding the alarm about the environment they are set to inherit. The ruling today is a landmark moment in their effort to protect the earth for future generations. Every day the youth in Montana and across their world are watching the impacts of climate change fill their social media feeds as they witness the increased frequency of wildfires and flooding.
No longer are young people demanding action on the climate crisis from the sidelines – they are successfully advocating for it themselves. They are channeling their feelings of concern and frustration into climate activism. They are becoming advocates for change, demanding action from governments and industries to address the crisis and secure a better future. This decision today sets a precedent for intergenerational accountability and environmental justice, ensuring that the decisions made today positively impact the well-being of tomorrow’s generations.”
“Across the nation, young people are sounding the alarm about the environment they are set to inherit. The ruling today is a landmark moment in their effort to protect the earth for future generations. Every day the youth in Montana and across their world are watching the impacts of climate change fill their social media feeds as they witness the increased frequency of wildfires and flooding.
No longer are young people demanding action on the climate crisis from the sidelines – they are successfully advocating for it themselves. They are channeling their feelings of concern and frustration into climate activism. They are becoming advocates for change, demanding action from governments and industries to address the crisis and secure a better future. This decision today sets a precedent for intergenerational accountability and environmental justice, ensuring that the decisions made today positively impact the well-being of tomorrow’s generations.”
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ILA flexes to fight on multiple beachheads
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USDA To Provide Additional Financial Assistance to Qualifying Guaranteed Farm Loan Borrowers Facing Financial Risk
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will begin providing additional, automatic financial assistance for qualifying guaranteed Farm Loan Programs (FLP) borrowers who are facing financial risk. The announcement is part of the $3.1 billion to help certain distressed farm loan borrowers that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act.
USDA Deputy Secretary Torres Small to Lead Trade Mission to Angola
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small will lead the first-ever U.S. agribusiness trade mission to Luanda, Angola on Nov. 28 – Dec. 1. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications from U.S. exporters who wish to participate in this trade mission.
EPA to award New Hampshire $214,000 to support water quality monitoring at beaches
BOSTON (Aug. 11, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $236,000 grant to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to protect the health of beachgoers. This funding is part of $10.6 million in grants, announced in May, to help coastal and Great Lakes communities. The funding will support water quality monitoring and public notification programs for beaches.
"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments so beach closures become a thing of the past."
This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.
"I'm thrilled to see this federal grant go to New Hampshire to help safeguard the well-being of our beachgoers," said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "This funding will deliver much-needed resources to monitor our state's coastal waters, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for residents and visitors."
"New Hampshire's beaches draw locals and tourists to their shores every year, and it is critical that we keep people safe when they go in the water. Excited to see this funding coming to New Hampshire to help monitor our water quality and protect the health of Granite Staters," said U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan.
"New Hampshire is known for our iconic lakes and beaches — we must protect them to ensure families feel safe enjoying a day on the water," said Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02). "I'm thrilled to see these resources heading to our state to protect beach and lake goers, and I will continue working to preserve our environment for generations to come."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.
Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $4.5 million to New Hampshire, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.
EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
New Hampshire $214,000
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
Connecticut $236,000
Rhode Island $228,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal, or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Public Beaches
"With so many beach closures across New England this summer, people want to know 'where can I go swimming in clean water?'," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "Today's grant will advance environmental justice in communities vulnerable to and overburdened by water quality impacts by supporting critical monitoring and notification programs. We will continue to work closely with our state, municipal and local partners to deliver information that people need to make good decisions about their health. The results of monitoring can also help us enforce environmental laws and make investments so beach closures become a thing of the past."
This grant helps fund programs to ensure that beachgoers know when our coastal waters are safe for swimming and recreation.
"I'm thrilled to see this federal grant go to New Hampshire to help safeguard the well-being of our beachgoers," said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "This funding will deliver much-needed resources to monitor our state's coastal waters, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for residents and visitors."
"New Hampshire's beaches draw locals and tourists to their shores every year, and it is critical that we keep people safe when they go in the water. Excited to see this funding coming to New Hampshire to help monitor our water quality and protect the health of Granite Staters," said U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan.
"New Hampshire is known for our iconic lakes and beaches — we must protect them to ensure families feel safe enjoying a day on the water," said Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02). "I'm thrilled to see these resources heading to our state to protect beach and lake goers, and I will continue working to preserve our environment for generations to come."
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, EPA awards grants to eligible state, Tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies or their local partners notify the public and post beach warnings or closings.
Since 2001, EPA has awarded nearly $216 million in BEACH Act grants, including over $25 million to New England states, and almost $4.5 million to New Hampshire, to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria and help with public notification and identification of the problem. This program is essential for protecting the health of beachgoers across the country.
EPA's 2023 BEACH Act grant funding will be allocated to the following New England states, contingent upon their meeting the eligibility requirements:
EPA Region 1
New Hampshire $214,000
Maine $272,000
Massachusetts $275,000
Connecticut $236,000
Rhode Island $228,000
More information on BEACH Act grants.
Check the relevant state, Tribal, or territorial beach program website for closing or advisory information at a particular beach.
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Public Beaches
MONDAY: EPA, Rep. Troy Carter to Recognize Deep South Center for Environmental Justice for $13M Grant in New Orleans
ATLANTA (Aug. 11, 2023) - On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Representative Troy Carter (LA-2) will celebrate a $13 million grant to the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice in New Orleans. The grant will help community-based organizations throughout the South access funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic Investing in American agenda.
Members of the media should RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
WHAT: Deep South Center for Environmental Justice Grant Celebration
WHERE: The Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St, 3rd Floor, New Orleans, LA
WHEN: Monday, August 14th at 10 am
WHO: U.S. EPA Region 6 Chief of Staff Iris Gonzalez
U.S. EPA Region 4 Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. (LA-2)
Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
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Members of the media should RSVP to region4press@epa.gov. Please include your name, media affiliation and contact information.
WHAT: Deep South Center for Environmental Justice Grant Celebration
WHERE: The Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St, 3rd Floor, New Orleans, LA
WHEN: Monday, August 14th at 10 am
WHO: U.S. EPA Region 6 Chief of Staff Iris Gonzalez
U.S. EPA Region 4 Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, Sr. (LA-2)
Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder & Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
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