EPA resolves Clean Water Act violations with Enumclaw company for $63,984
SEATTLE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Parker Hannifin Corporation, formerly Helac Corporation, will pay $63,984 for Clean Water Act violations at its facility in Enumclaw, Washington.
In January 2023, EPA inspectors found several violations of the company’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System industrial stormwater permit including:
failure to maintain a Stormwater Pollution Control Plan
failure to sample and monitor stormwater discharges
failure to maintain structural controls and measures
failure to conduct routine site inspections
In its investigation, the EPA also found a discharge through the facility’s outfall that was unbeknownst to the facility. The facility will improve its permit compliance by sampling and monitoring, reviewing and revising its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, maintaining stormwater control measures, conducting routine site inspections, and reporting and keeping records as required by the permit.
“EPA is committed to enforcing the industrial stormwater rules under the Clean Water Act to protect Pacific Northwest waters,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “In this case, this enforcement action will help prevent pollution from entering Newaukum Creek, a tributary to the Green River.”
Newaukum Creek is a spawning area for protected species including Puget Sound Chinook, Coho, Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout. However, due to excessive levels of fecal coliform, reduced dissolved oxygen, and high temperatures, Newaukum Creek is considered an impaired waterbody by EPA and the Washington Department of Ecology.
The Clean Water Act prohibits discharging pollutants from industrial sources into a water of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Stormwater can pick up pollutants like chemicals, oils, and sediment from industrial facilities which are then carried into waterways and harm fish and other aquatic life. The permit requires industrial sites to monitor, measure, and reduce stormwater pollution leaving their facilities.
In January 2023, EPA inspectors found several violations of the company’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System industrial stormwater permit including:
failure to maintain a Stormwater Pollution Control Plan
failure to sample and monitor stormwater discharges
failure to maintain structural controls and measures
failure to conduct routine site inspections
In its investigation, the EPA also found a discharge through the facility’s outfall that was unbeknownst to the facility. The facility will improve its permit compliance by sampling and monitoring, reviewing and revising its Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, maintaining stormwater control measures, conducting routine site inspections, and reporting and keeping records as required by the permit.
“EPA is committed to enforcing the industrial stormwater rules under the Clean Water Act to protect Pacific Northwest waters,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski. “In this case, this enforcement action will help prevent pollution from entering Newaukum Creek, a tributary to the Green River.”
Newaukum Creek is a spawning area for protected species including Puget Sound Chinook, Coho, Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout. However, due to excessive levels of fecal coliform, reduced dissolved oxygen, and high temperatures, Newaukum Creek is considered an impaired waterbody by EPA and the Washington Department of Ecology.
The Clean Water Act prohibits discharging pollutants from industrial sources into a water of the United States without a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Stormwater can pick up pollutants like chemicals, oils, and sediment from industrial facilities which are then carried into waterways and harm fish and other aquatic life. The permit requires industrial sites to monitor, measure, and reduce stormwater pollution leaving their facilities.
EPA Settles Claims that Arizona Company Violated Clean Air Act in the Navajo Nation
PHOENIX—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized a settlement with Fann Contracting, Inc., underscoring the crucial importance of compliance with the Clean Air Act. The company was found to be operating a portable hot mix asphalt plant on the Navajo Nation near Kayenta, Arizona, without a Tribal Minor New Source Review (NSR) permit to control air pollutants. As part of the settlement, the company will pay a civil penalty of $72,128.
For several months in 2021, Fann Contracting, Inc. operated its portable hot mix asphalt plant near the Kayenta Health Center within the Navajo Nation without a valid federal permit to control its air emissions in Indian country. When not controlled by an enforceable permit limit, the asphalt plant had the potential to emit carbon monoxide (CO) in a quantity of 250 tons, which exceeded air pollution limits under the NSR permitting program. Fann Contracting, Inc. only obtained the required permit on April 27, 2022.
“EPA stands ready to use our authority to ensure that Clean Air Act federal regulations are properly followed, and that residents of Arizona and the Navajo Nation are breathing healthy, safe air,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Businesses must comply with permit programs under the law when operating in Indian country.”
The NSR permitting program, established as part of the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments, plays a vital role in maintaining air quality. It is a preconstruction permitting program that ensures that air quality is not significantly degraded by the addition of new and modified sources such as factories, industrial boilers, and power plants. NSR is crucial in guaranteeing new emissions progress toward cleaner air in areas with unhealthy air. The NSR program assures people that any significant new or modified industrial source in their neighborhoods will be as clean as possible and that advances in pollution control occur concurrently with industrial expansion.
NSR permits are legal documents that the facility owners/operators must abide by. The permit specifies what construction is allowed, what emission limits must be met, and often how the emissions source must be operated.
The Tribal Minor NSR Program protects air quality in Indian country. To simplify the permit issuance process for similar facilities, this program has general permits and permits by rule for specific smaller sources of air pollution commonly found in Indian country. Persons operating hot mix asphalt plants subject to regulation under the Tribal Minor NSR Program can apply for a general air quality permit. Still, this general permit must be obtained before the construction and operation of the regulated source.
For more information on New Source Review permitting, visit EPA’s New Source Review (NSR) Permitting webpage.
For more information on Tribal News Source review, visit EPA’s Tribal Minor Source Review webpage.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region x. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
For several months in 2021, Fann Contracting, Inc. operated its portable hot mix asphalt plant near the Kayenta Health Center within the Navajo Nation without a valid federal permit to control its air emissions in Indian country. When not controlled by an enforceable permit limit, the asphalt plant had the potential to emit carbon monoxide (CO) in a quantity of 250 tons, which exceeded air pollution limits under the NSR permitting program. Fann Contracting, Inc. only obtained the required permit on April 27, 2022.
“EPA stands ready to use our authority to ensure that Clean Air Act federal regulations are properly followed, and that residents of Arizona and the Navajo Nation are breathing healthy, safe air,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Businesses must comply with permit programs under the law when operating in Indian country.”
The NSR permitting program, established as part of the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments, plays a vital role in maintaining air quality. It is a preconstruction permitting program that ensures that air quality is not significantly degraded by the addition of new and modified sources such as factories, industrial boilers, and power plants. NSR is crucial in guaranteeing new emissions progress toward cleaner air in areas with unhealthy air. The NSR program assures people that any significant new or modified industrial source in their neighborhoods will be as clean as possible and that advances in pollution control occur concurrently with industrial expansion.
NSR permits are legal documents that the facility owners/operators must abide by. The permit specifies what construction is allowed, what emission limits must be met, and often how the emissions source must be operated.
The Tribal Minor NSR Program protects air quality in Indian country. To simplify the permit issuance process for similar facilities, this program has general permits and permits by rule for specific smaller sources of air pollution commonly found in Indian country. Persons operating hot mix asphalt plants subject to regulation under the Tribal Minor NSR Program can apply for a general air quality permit. Still, this general permit must be obtained before the construction and operation of the regulated source.
For more information on New Source Review permitting, visit EPA’s New Source Review (NSR) Permitting webpage.
For more information on Tribal News Source review, visit EPA’s Tribal Minor Source Review webpage.
For more information on reporting possible violations of environmental laws and regulations visit EPA’s enforcement reporting website.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region x. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Canadian longshore foremen prep for possible strike after DP World hearing
British Columbia's maritime employers warn of a port-wide strike vote taking place as Canada’s labor tribunal considers a union proposal about staffing at DP World’s Centerm.
Canadian longshore foremen prep for possible strike after DP World hearing
British Columbia's maritime employers warn of a port-wide strike vote taking place as Canada’s labor tribunal considers a union proposal about staffing at DP World’s Centerm.
Vancouver’s longshore foremen prep for possible strike after DP World hearing
The Port of Vancouver’s maritime employers warn of a port-wide strike vote taking place as Canada’s labor tribunal considers a union proposal about staffing at DP World’s Centerm.
USDA Proposes New Policy to Reduce Salmonella in Raw Poultry Products
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today issued a comprehensive proposed rule and determination to more effectively reduce Salmonella contamination and illnesses associated with raw poultry products.
EAPA Cons. Case 7950: Various Importers (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, July 09, 2024)
EAPA Action: Notification of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures for EAPA Consolidated Case 7950 - Monosodium Glutamate
WASHINGTON—On July 9, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation of…
WASHINGTON—On July 9, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation of…
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $34,403,346 in Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants in Alabama and Tennessee
ATLANTA, Ga. (July 26, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $34,403,346 in funding for two selected applications to help disadvantaged communities in Alabama and Tennessee tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build community capacity. Made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Change Grants Program is the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history. The funding announcement today is the first tranche of nearly $2 billion from the program that was designed based on community input to award grants on a rolling basis.
“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”
“We are excited to announce these awards to the first two selectees in EPA’s Southeast Region,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This first set of impactful community change grants will help hundreds of residents in Chattanooga and Alabama address significant quality of life issues that they have endured as environmental justice communities.”
This initial selection cohort includes over $14 million to Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install onsite wastewater treatment systems for 350 households that lack adequate wastewater management in Alabama’s Hale, Lowndes, and Wilcox counties. This project also will develop a training, certification, and post-secondary bridge program to produce in-demand wastewater-professionals for this rural area.
“After receiving notification of the Community Change Grant award, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) is ecstatic and even more focused on our work to solve the wastewater issues in the Black Belt counties of Alabama,” said Perman Hardy, president of the BBUWP. “The Biden-Harris administration has given us a safety net to continue our work of single-family onsite system installations, as part of a larger ongoing effort to incorporate decentralized wastewater systems—both clustered and onsite—and innovative management options to address wastewater challenges throughout the Black Belt. These efforts are facilitated by the Consortium of Alabama Rural Water and Wastewater Management (CARWW), which ties many partners together and facilitates communication and the sharing of ideas and expertise. Texas A&M University—under the leadership of Dr. Amal Bakchan—saw the tremendous opportunity provided by this grant and assembled key participants to implement this community change project.”
Additionally, nearly $20 million to Trust for Public Land and the City of Chattanooga to develop a 2.6-mile trail system in south Chattanooga, expand greenspace and tree canopy, and improve stormwater and floodplain management using nature-based solutions. This project, first identified as a community priority in 2002, will help transform and reconnect three disadvantaged communities that have been isolated by railroads, highways, and other barriers. More than 3,800 individuals who live within a half-mile of the trail will benefit from this project.
“This is a historic investment in an area of Chattanooga that needs and deserves it, and we can’t thank EPA enough for this award,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “This $19.5 million will help us and our valued partners at the Trust for Public Land extend the Alton Park Connector from the Riverwalk to Clifton Hills Elementary while investing in community organizations. The Alton Park Connector will add greenspace and tree canopy, giving Chattanoogans a beautiful new option for outdoor recreation. But just as importantly, it will reconnect an underserved community to the rest of Chattanooga and the new development in the South Broad area, forging a path to better jobs, amenities, and services for the Chattanoogans who live in the area. This is One Chattanooga in action.”
“As a community-centered organization devoted to connecting everyone to the outdoors, EPA’s award is a transformational investment in a longstanding priority for South Chattanooga’s isolated neighborhoods to connect to the City’s renaissance of economic opportunity and public space investment,” said Noel Durant of the Tennessee State Director of Trust for Public Land.
“Chattanooga’s southside has struggled through decades of disinvestment and environmental contamination. This award shows how our voices and advocacy can change our community's story and our lives by connecting us to the rest of the city and a shared vision of possibilities,” said Maria Noel, a longtime community advocate for South Chattanooga.
The two selected applications in the Southeast are among 21 selected nationally under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.
The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-selections
The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.
Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.
To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.
“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”
“We are excited to announce these awards to the first two selectees in EPA’s Southeast Region,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle. “This first set of impactful community change grants will help hundreds of residents in Chattanooga and Alabama address significant quality of life issues that they have endured as environmental justice communities.”
This initial selection cohort includes over $14 million to Texas A&M University and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program to install onsite wastewater treatment systems for 350 households that lack adequate wastewater management in Alabama’s Hale, Lowndes, and Wilcox counties. This project also will develop a training, certification, and post-secondary bridge program to produce in-demand wastewater-professionals for this rural area.
“After receiving notification of the Community Change Grant award, the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) is ecstatic and even more focused on our work to solve the wastewater issues in the Black Belt counties of Alabama,” said Perman Hardy, president of the BBUWP. “The Biden-Harris administration has given us a safety net to continue our work of single-family onsite system installations, as part of a larger ongoing effort to incorporate decentralized wastewater systems—both clustered and onsite—and innovative management options to address wastewater challenges throughout the Black Belt. These efforts are facilitated by the Consortium of Alabama Rural Water and Wastewater Management (CARWW), which ties many partners together and facilitates communication and the sharing of ideas and expertise. Texas A&M University—under the leadership of Dr. Amal Bakchan—saw the tremendous opportunity provided by this grant and assembled key participants to implement this community change project.”
Additionally, nearly $20 million to Trust for Public Land and the City of Chattanooga to develop a 2.6-mile trail system in south Chattanooga, expand greenspace and tree canopy, and improve stormwater and floodplain management using nature-based solutions. This project, first identified as a community priority in 2002, will help transform and reconnect three disadvantaged communities that have been isolated by railroads, highways, and other barriers. More than 3,800 individuals who live within a half-mile of the trail will benefit from this project.
“This is a historic investment in an area of Chattanooga that needs and deserves it, and we can’t thank EPA enough for this award,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “This $19.5 million will help us and our valued partners at the Trust for Public Land extend the Alton Park Connector from the Riverwalk to Clifton Hills Elementary while investing in community organizations. The Alton Park Connector will add greenspace and tree canopy, giving Chattanoogans a beautiful new option for outdoor recreation. But just as importantly, it will reconnect an underserved community to the rest of Chattanooga and the new development in the South Broad area, forging a path to better jobs, amenities, and services for the Chattanoogans who live in the area. This is One Chattanooga in action.”
“As a community-centered organization devoted to connecting everyone to the outdoors, EPA’s award is a transformational investment in a longstanding priority for South Chattanooga’s isolated neighborhoods to connect to the City’s renaissance of economic opportunity and public space investment,” said Noel Durant of the Tennessee State Director of Trust for Public Land.
“Chattanooga’s southside has struggled through decades of disinvestment and environmental contamination. This award shows how our voices and advocacy can change our community's story and our lives by connecting us to the rest of the city and a shared vision of possibilities,” said Maria Noel, a longtime community advocate for South Chattanooga.
The two selected applications in the Southeast are among 21 selected nationally under the Community Change Grants Program’s rolling application process. Informed by robust stakeholder engagement and community feedback, the innovative rolling application process will ensure that applicants have ample time to prepare and take advantage of this historic resource. The Community Change Grants Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), administered through EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024. EPA will continue to review applications and announce selections on a rolling basis.
The Inflation Reduction Act provides $3 billion to EPA to award grants that help disadvantaged communities and offer technical assistance. With these grants, EPA is delivering on this mission.
The Community Change Grants also deliver on President Biden’s commitment to advance equity and justice throughout the United States through his Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments go to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
See the full listing of the initial 21 organizations receiving a CCGP grant and learn more about CCGP here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/community-change-grants-selections
The Community Change Grants Program is still accepting applications through November 21, 2024, so EPA encourages applicants to submit applications as soon as they completely meet the NOFO requirements. EPA will be making additional selections on a rolling basis for the remainder of 2024. EPA also encourages interested applicants to apply for technical assistance as soon as possible, as the last day to request new technical assistance is August 16, 2024.
Read the Community Change Grants NOFO here: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program.
To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance: https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/inflation-reduction-act-community-change-grants-program
To learn more about environmental justice at EPA, visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice
For up-to-date information about the NOFO, including information on the webinars, subscribe to the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights’ listserv by sending a blank email to: join-epa-ej@lists.epa.gov. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @EPAEnvJustice.