Combustion sources that use solid waste fuels are subject to the CAA Section 129 requirements (i.e., the Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incinerator or CISWI Rule) while combustion equipment utilizing non-waste fuel are subject to the CAA Section 112 requirements (i.e., Boiler NESHAP). Therefore, these secondary materials, when burned as fuels, must be properly classified as either NHSMs as solid waste or non-waste fuel in order to determine whether a combustion unit is subject to a CAA Section 112 or a CAA Section 129 regulation.
EPA identified several NHSMs that it considered to be good candidates for a categorical listing. Now, the agency is planning to propose adding NHSMs to the list of categorical non-wastes, and will demonstrate how each NHSM successfully meets the criteria listed in 40 CFR 241.4(b)(5).
Dayton RCRA and DOT Training
Macon RCRA and DOT Training
Cleveland RCRA and DOT Training
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, material safety data sheet (now called “safety data sheet” or SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on SDSs.
Environmental Resource Center is offering live online training for you to learn how the new rule differs from current requirements, how to implement the changes, and when the changes must be implemented.
Air Quality Designations for the 2012 PM2.5 Standards
EPA is planning to establish the air quality designations and classifications for all areas of the United States under the revised 2012 annual particular matter (PM) 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Designations of attainment, nonattainment, or unclassifiable are based on air quality monitoring data and other relevant information pertaining to the air quality in the affected area, including whether an area contributes to a violation of the standard in a nearby area. A notice of proposed rulemaking is expected within the next 12 months.
Missouri Launches Electronic Discharge Monitoring Report System
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has released a new online tool to help Missouri wastewater permit holders submit required discharge monitoring reports electronically, department director Sara Parker Pauley announced recently.
Speaking to a gathering of municipal leaders, Pauley explained how the department is taking another step in efficiency with the electronic discharge monitoring report, or eDMR, system.
“Almost a year ago, we rolled out ePermitting, which simplified the process for those seeking land disturbance permits,” Pauley said. “With eDMR, we’re simplifying the reporting process for Missouri’s estimated 4,500 wastewater permit holders.”
Some wastewater systems are required to submit discharge monitoring reports that summarize effluent monitoring results. The eDMR system allows wastewater treatment facilities to submit their reports via the Internet. Historically, the reports were handled entirely through a paper recording and submission process.
The eDMR system will be faster and more efficient than the current system and will greatly reduce the amount of time and labor wastewater facilities spend preparing these reports. Additionally, eDMR will save the department time and improve accuracy by eliminating potential errors that might be introduced by manual data entry. The eDMR system is the Department of Natural Resources’ second major online initiative aimed at improving permitting time and efficiency. The ePermitting system, launched in June of last year, allows Missourians to apply for and receive land disturbance permits entirely online.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will offer several training events on using the new eDMR system for wastewater systems. Workshops are currently scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 23, August 6, August 20, September 3 and September 17 at the MOTEC Training Center, 1738 E. Elm St., in Jefferson City.
EPA to Remove Pesticide Discharge Permitting Exemption
This rulemaking is in response to the 2009 Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that vacated the EPA’s 2006 NPDES Pesticides Rule.
Humans Stoked Australia’s Unprecedented Angry Summer Heat
Human influences that drive global warming are likely to have played a role in Australia’s exceedingly hot summer of 2013, the hottest in that country’s observational record. A new study shows that global warming has increased the chances of Australians experiencing record hot summers, such as the summer of 2013, by more than five times.
“Our research has shown that, due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, these types of extreme summers will become even more frequent and more severe in the future,” said Sophie Lewis of the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, who is lead author of the study.
It is possible to say with more than 90% confidence, she added, that human influences on the atmosphere dramatically increased the likelihood of the extreme summer of 2013.
Lewis is also with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science.
The study has been accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.
The study used climate observations and more than 90 climate model simulations of summer temperatures in Australia over the past 100 years. Australia’s summer occurs from December to February, during the northern-hemisphere winter.
David Karoly, also of the University of Melbourne and the ARC Centre and co-author of the paper, said the observations, coupled with a suite of climate-model runs comparing human and natural influences in parallel experiments, indicate that Australia has experienced a very unusual summer at a time when it was not expected.
The combination of extreme heat, bush fires and flooding prompted Australians to dub last summer the “angry summer,” the researchers note in their paper.
“This extreme summer is not only remarkable for its record-breaking nature but also because it occurred at a time of weak La Ni?a to neutral conditions, which generally produce cooler summers,” Karoly said. “Importantly, our research shows the natural variability of El Ni?o Southern Oscillation is unlikely to explain the recent record temperatures.”
This analysis of the causes of the record 2013 Australian summer is one of the fastest ever performed worldwide for a significant climate event. This fast-response analysis was made possible because data from many existing climate models and observations were made available through Centre of Excellence collaborations with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Bureau of Meteorology and the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI). “The new data resource means scientists are able to work on understanding and addressing the problems of extreme climate events sooner,” Karoly said.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science and the NCI National Facility funded this research.
EPA Strengthens Energy Star Requirements for Refrigerators and Freezers
If all refrigerators and freezers sold in the United States were to meet the updated requirements, energy cost savings would grow to more than $890 million each year and reduce annual GHG emissions by the equivalent of those from more than one million vehicles. Additionally, by recycling an old refrigerator and replacing it with a new Energy Star certified refrigerator, consumers can save from $150–$1,100 on energy costs over the product’s lifetime.
“We can all do our part in meeting the challenge of climate change,” said Janet McCabe, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “By choosing Energy Star appliances, families can save energy, save money, and reduce carbon pollution.”
Certain Energy Star refrigerators and freezers with connected features will provide consumers new convenience and energy-saving opportunities. These products will allow consumers to view real-time energy use, receive energy-related messages, such as an alert when the door has been left open, and manage appliance settings remotely. Refrigerators and freezers with connected functionality will also be “smart grid”-ready, meaning that with consumer permission, they will be able to respond to utility signals, including curtailing operations during more expensive peak demand times.
To earn the Energy Star label, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. The updated Energy Star refrigerator and freezer specification will go into effect on September 15, 2014.
In 2012 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $24 billion on their utility bills and prevented GHG emissions equal to those of 50 million vehicles. To date, more than 1.4 million new homes and 20,000 facilities, including offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial plants have earned the Energy Star label.
King Pharmaceuticals LLC to Pay $2.2 Million for MACT Violations
King Pharmaceuticals, LLC, (King) will pay $2.2 million and take measures to comply with the Clean Air Act to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at its pharmaceutical manufacturing facility located in Bristol, Tennessee, announced the Department of Justice, the EPA, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
From the $2.2 million civil penalty, $1.1 million will be paid to the United States and $1.1 million will be paid to TDEC. From TDEC’s $1.1 million penalty, $650,000 will be applied to a TDEC state project for homeowners. The settlement also requires the facility to demonstrate compliance with CAA National Emission Standards for Pharmaceuticals Production (PharmaMACT regulations) and to apply for a Title V permit. The PharmaMACT regulations impose “Maximum Achievable Control Technology” (MACT) standards, which are industry-specific measures that must be implemented to control hazardous air pollutants in order to prevent harm to human health or the environment.
The TDEC state project calls for implementation of a program dedicated to providing financial assistance to low-to-moderate income homeowners in making improvements to residential housing focused on weatherization, insulation, and energy efficiency. This project will focus on the reduction of energy usage and decreasing emissions associated with the generation of electricity or use of fossil fuels in home heating. TDEC plans to use existing local programs in the Bristol area to identify and channel assistance to eligible homeowners.
“This settlement will protect public health and the environment by requiring additional hazardous air pollution controls at the pharmaceutical facility in Bristol,” said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This significant civil penalty should send a strong signal to the pharmaceutical industry regarding our commitment to enforce PharmaMACT.”
“Upholding the public health benefits of the Clean Air Act is a critical responsibility of EPA,” said Beverly H. Banister, Acting Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA’s Southeastern office. “This settlement will result in better management practices that will ultimately lead to greater protection of public health and the environment for the citizens of Bristol.”
“The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is pleased the proposed settlement could be reached in this litigation to address air emissions and permitting requirements, and that the facility will move forward to meet those requirements,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau. “Additionally, the state project included in the settlement will promote emission reductions by reducing the energy needs of low-income residents in the area.”
King began pharmaceutical manufacturing operations at the Bristol facility in 1993. King was acquired by Pfizer, Inc., in 2011, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer. On May 29, 2013, UPM Pharmaceuticals announced that it will acquire the Bristol facility. The sale of the facility will not affect the injunctive relief required by the settlement. The alleged violations were discovered during a May 2006 inspection and subsequent investigation by EPA and TDEC. The United States and the state of Tennessee jointly brought the complaint.
EPA Reaches Agreement with SunCoke Energy for Clean Air Violations
SunCoke Energy, Inc., and two of its subsidiaries have agreed to pay $1.995 million to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations of emission limits at the Gateway Energy and Coke plant in Granite City, Illinois, and the Haverhill Coke plant in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, announced the EPA and the Justice Department.
The companies will also spend $255,000 on a lead abatement project in southern Illinois to reduce lead hazards in owner-occupied low-income residences with priority given to families with young children or pregnant women. The companies will pay a penalty of $1.27 million to the United States, $575,000 to the State of Illinois, and $150,000 to the State of Ohio. Illinois and Ohio are co-plaintiffs in this case.
“The substantial upgrades required by today’s settlement will reduce air pollution that can harm public health and the environment,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to reducing toxic air pollution from sources that have an impact on the health of communities.”
“It also reflects our continuing commitment to protecting the people and environment of the United States through the vigorous enforcement of the Clean Air Act.”
“This settlement provides a long-term solution to protect air quality and control emissions,” said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. “We will continue to work with other agencies to protect Ohio families from environmental harm.”
“The facility upgrades and stricter emission limits mandated in this settlement will dramatically reduce harmful pollution levels and improve overall air quality in the communities surrounding these facilities,” said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
In addition, the companies will spend approximately $100 million at the two heat-recovery coking facilities to install equipment known as heat-recovery steam generators to ensure that hot coking gases are routed to pollution control equipment and not vented directly into the atmosphere. If future emissions exceed the requisite threshold at a third facility, in Middletown, Ohio, then SunCoke will have to install an additional HRSG at that facility to prevent uncontrolled venting of coking gases. They will also spend an estimated $700,000 on equipment to continuously monitor sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at the Gateway and Haverhill facilities.
Further, the companies have agreed to accept more stringent emission limits than required in their current permits for SO2 and particulate matter, and, in the case of the Gateway Facility, lead. SO2 contributes to acid rain and exacerbates respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly. Exposure to particulate pollution has been linked to health impacts that include decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, and premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
The primary violations alleged relate to excessive bypass venting of hot coking gases directly to the atmosphere, resulting in excess SO2 and particulate matter emissions from the facilities’ waste heat and main stacks, in violation of applicable permit limits. Coke oven emissions are known human carcinogens. Chronic (long-term) exposure in humans can result in conjunctivitis, severe dermatitis, and lesions of the respiratory system and digestive system. The additional equipment installed at the facilities will result in estimated emissions reductions of more than 1200 tons per year of SO2, over 130 tons per year of particulate matter, 252 tons per year of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid gases, and more than 1800 lb. per year of lead.
Both facilities are located in areas that do not meet federal health-based standards for soot. The Illinois facility is located in an area that also does not meet the federal air pollution standard for lead.
Reducing illegal emissions of toxic air pollutants at facilities that have a significant impact on air quality and health in communities is one of EPA’s national enforcement priorities. Excess emissions from chemical plants and other industries can result in releases of hazardous air pollutants, or air toxics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, and seriously impact the environment.
Matheson Tri-Gas Pays $73,790 Penalty For Alleged Environmental Violations
Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., has paid a $73,790 penalty for not submitting a required risk management plan for a facility at 1401 Stauffer Road, Palm, Pennsylvania (Montgomery County), the EPA announced recently.
Under the federal Clean Air Act, facilities that maintain certain quantities of regulated substances must submit a risk management plan to EPA that explains steps the facility would take to reduce the risk of accidental releases of flammable substances. The plan must also explain how the facility would minimize the consequences of any accidental releases that might occur.
Regulated substances at the Matheson Tri Gas facility in Palm included methane, propylene and isobutane.
Matheson Tri Gas manufactures and supplies gas products to a wide range of industries.
As part of its settlement with EPA, Matheson Tri-Gas did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that its facility is now within the risk management provisions of the Clean Air Act.
Oregon and Idaho Property Managers Failed to Disclose Lead Paint Hazards to Renters
Elite Property Management, Inc., of Corvallis, Oregon, and Advanced Management, Inc., of Keizer, Oregon, and Hill Rental Properties, LLC, of Moscow, Idaho, were each fined for violating the federal Lead-Based Paint Real Estate Notification and Disclosure Rule.
The companies failed to disclose information regarding lead paint and lead-based paint hazards to renters, based on an EPA and US Department of Housing and Urban Development joint inspection.
Federal lead disclosure rules require property management companies, real estate agencies, property owners, and sellers to inform potential renters or buyers of the presence of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in housing built before 1978.
People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or, especially children—by accidentally eating soil or paint chips containing lead. Improperly removing lead-based paint can also increase the danger to family members.
Partnerships Reduce Alabama Diesel Emissions
In the latest example of actions to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is partnering with Church Transportation and Logistics, Inc., in Birmingham to use funding under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act.
ADEM has been awarded funds from the EPA for the State Clean Diesel Program and uses those funds in areas that are exceeding, or are close to exceeding, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Church Transportation has agreed to install devices on some of its fleet of diesel vehicles in its transportation and logistics services in order to reduce air emissions. After providing a 50% match for the project, Church Transportation will utilize approximately $67,000 of the DERA grant to retrofit 18 of its diesel vehicles with battery powered units that have been approved by EPA. These units will help to reduce emissions by decreasing the amount of time each vehicle idles.
Church Transportation has agreed to have the project completed by August 31.
Thermo King Pays $213,200 Penalty for Violating State Air Pollution Laws
The California Air Resources Board has fined Minneapolis-based Thermo King Corporation $213,200 for violating terms of the conditional verification granted to its Thermo King eDPF (diesel particulate filter).
These filters are used to reduce emissions from the Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), which allow heavy-duty trucks to use air conditioning, heat and other functions without the need for engine idling.
“Conditional verifications provide manufacturers with flexibility in complying with California’s emissions reduction requirements but they expire after a specific time period,” said ARB Enforcement Chief Jim Ryden. “Full verification is granted only after manufacturers complete required durability testing and meet all terms of the conditional verification.”
On June 24, 2008, the Thermo King particulate filter was conditionally verified for use on APUs for a period not to exceed three years. The Air Resources Board staff learned that the company continued to sell the filters after the verification expired in 2011. To settle the case, Thermo King Corporation agreed to pay $213,200 to the California Air Pollution Control Fund, which supports air quality improvement efforts and research. The company also agreed to comply with the ARB verification procedure, and to sell filters in the future only with ARB’s written approval. Customers who installed Thermo King particulate filters will not be penalized. Instead, the warranty for their filters was extended to 3000 hours.
Thermo King was ultimately awarded full verification of their particulate filters in August 2012.
Diesel exhaust contains a variety of harmful gases and over 40 other known cancer-causing compounds. In 1998, California identified diesel particulate matter as a toxic air contaminant based on its potential to cause cancer, premature death, and other health problems.
Orleans Parish Demolition Company Pleads Guilty to Illegal Dumping in New Orleans East
A guilty plea was entered yesterday at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court by J & L Demolition and Dumpsters, LLC, a demolition and disposal business located at 9330 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East. The company was cited for illegal disposal of solid waste stemming from a multi-agency compliance operation that began in the fall of 2010.
In that operation, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality partnered with the EPA and the city of New Orleans and inspected nearly 40 sites along the Almonaster Boulevard and Old Gentilly Road corridor in New Orleans East. These sites were targeted because previous inspections showed that the most egregious offenders were not complying with environmental regulations.
During the course of this ongoing compliance effort, investigators from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted surveillance at 11300 block of Old Gentilly Road and caught employees of J & L Demolition illegally disposing of solid waste at the property. On August 10, 2012, investigators from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Criminal Investigation Division issued a misdemeanor summons for the illegal disposal of solid waste to John Stephen Fender, owner of J & L Demolition.
As part of plea agreement, J & L Demolition was sentenced to 2 years of probation, ordered to pay a criminal fine of $10,000, ordered to pay $1,060 for costs of prosecution, and ordered to remove the solid waste from the dumpsite. Fender was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay a criminal fine of $2,000. The Honorable Judge Keva Landrum-Johnson of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court presided. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Leon A. Cannizarro, Jr., and special assistant Mike Daniels from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Criminal Investigation Division.
“When people try to save money by illegally dumping, they should think about the possible fines, jail time and the cost for the cleanup,” said Peggy Hatch, DEQ Secretary. “The consequences outweigh the benefits and this is a perfect example of agencies working together to ensure those who show disregard to environmental laws pay the price.”
Columbia Construction Co. and USA Demolition Inc. Penalized $32,100 Each for Asbestos Violations
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) penalized two contractors, Columbia Construction Company of North Reading, and USA Demolition, Inc., of Woburn, $32,100 each after asbestos violations, including the improper removal of 3,000 square feet of asbestos-containing floor tile, were found at 32 Tozer Road in Beverly.
On August 5, 2011, MassDEP inspected the property, where Columbia had been hired as a general contractor to conduct renovation work, and USA Demolition as a sub-contractor to perform demolition work. Neither company properly notified MassDEP of the demolition work or asbestos abatement work as required. In addition, the companies engaged in the improper removal, collection, and disposal into a rolloff dumpster at the site of the asbestos-containing floor tile. The work was done without any controls to prevent the release of the loose, dry, friable, asbestos material into the air.
“When asbestos is removed improperly, it creates emissions that are known to be a health hazard to those who breathe that material into their lungs,” said Eric Worrall, director of MassDEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilmington. “The lack of notification, the lack of controls and the careless disposal of this material are all violations and caused an unacceptable public health risk to workers and anyone else in the immediate area.”
After MassDEP ordered the work halted, and the work area cordoned off, the companies hired a licensed asbestos contractor to prepare a plan to remediate the site in compliance with all asbestos removal and disposal regulations.
Columbia will pay $9,700 of its penalty and MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remaining $22,400 provided there no additional violations over the next year. USA Demolition will pay $8,700 of its penalty and MassDEP has agreed to suspend the remaining $23,400 provided there are no additional violations over the next year.
Pennsylvania DEP Alerts Crystal Spring Vended Water Customers of Drinking Water Violations
The Pennsylvania DEP recently notified the public that Crystal Spring, a Berks County water vendor, is selling drinking water that has not been monitored for contaminants and poses a potential health risk to those who consume it.
Since December 2012, Crystal Spring Vended Water has not completed monitoring, testing, and reporting requirements for contaminants.
The contaminants that the owner did not test for and their associated timeframes for testing are:
- Asbestos, one sample between January and December 2012
- Synthetic organic chemicals; one sample between January and March 2013
- Bacteria, one sample every month for February, March, April and May 2013
The Safe Drinking Water Act mandates that all contaminant testing results must be reported to DEP. This ensures that the treatment system is operating properly and that the well source on the Crystal Spring property has not become contaminated.
The department has been seeking compliance from Crystal Spring Vended Water since 2012. DEP will continue its efforts to bring this supplier into compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
When purchasing drinking water, customers should only use compliant, regulated sources of public water.
Located along Route 272 in Adamstown, Berks County, Crystal Spring Vended Water is a privately owned water fill-up station at which customers can refill their containers; bottled water services are not provided by this vendor.
For more information, call 610-916-0100.
Studies Confirm Elevated Metals Along Upper Columbia River Valley
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is releasing results of two studies confirming elevated levels of metals in the upper Columbia River valley. The contamination was measured in surface soils and wetlands and lake sediments.
Both studies tested for metals associated with historic smelting operations in Trail, British Columbia, including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. Analysis showed primarily arsenic and lead contamination above state cleanup guidelines for sediments.
The soil sampling targeted undeveloped forested land on both sides of the Columbia River. Testing locations did not include residential and agricultural lands or community use areas.
Ecology is asking the EPA to accelerate a sampling program assessing potential health risks in residential and recreational areas near the US-Canadian border due to elevated levels of metals.
Ecology, Washington Department of Health, and Northeast Tri-County Health District encourage those living or recreating in areas potentially affected by historic smelting operations to consider adopting several healthy actions to reduce their exposure to the toxic chemicals. These actions are especially important for young children including:
- Washing toys and clothing after playing on or near soil
- Washing hands and face after working or playing outside and before handling food
- Mopping, dusting, and vacuuming often
- Using a high-quality doormat and removing shoes before going inside
- Keeping a well maintained yard covered with solid grass
- Eating a healthy diet rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C
- Growing your produce in raised beds made with arsenic-free materials
Fishing Company Fined for Oil Spill Near Willapa Bay
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is fining Sturgell Fisheries $11,500 for spilling nearly 675 gallons of oil to state marine waters on January 25 after the company’s crabbing vessel Genesis A ran aground on the Long Beach Peninsula near Leadbetter Point at the entrance to Willapa Bay.
Investigators determined the grounding and oil spill was caused by human error. The spill occurred in the vicinity of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
While most of the spill involved diesel fuel, the vessel also discharged lubricating and bilge oil, hydraulic fluid and other oil products to the environment.
Ecology also is seeking $7,300 to reimburse the state for expenses incurred responding to and cleaning up the spill. It took two days to recover the oil and five days to salvage the vessel and remove the environmental threat. Under Washington law, parties spilling oil must compensate the state for response and cleanup costs.
“This Jim Sachet, Spill Response Team supervisor, said: “This was a significant spill in a very sensitive beach environment near the mouth of Willapa Bay. It features extensive salt marshes, and is home to numerous threatened or endangered species of fish, marine mammals and birds. This incident was entirely preventable.”
The Coast Guard rescued four people and their dog from the vessel about 3:37 a.m. after it ran aground on January 25. No medical attention was needed. Later that day, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed a mile-long section of beach on the northwest end of the Long Beach Peninsula to keep razor clam diggers away from the beached crab boat. It was the first day of a three-day evening clam dig at Long Beach. About 90% of the beach did remain open to digging.
All oil spills cause environmental damage, regardless of size or location. Oil is toxic to the environment and the damage starts as soon as the oil enters water. A single quart of oil has the potential to foul more than 100,000 gallons of water.
Sturgell Fisheries may appeal the penalty to the Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.
Ecology does not benefit from spill penalty payments. The final penalty amount owed and collected is deposited in special state accounts that pay for environmental restoration and enhancement projects.
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Trivia Question of the Week
Which federal agencies make up the Partnership for Sustainable Communities?
a. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
b. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
c. Department of Transportation (DOT)
d. A and B only
e. All of the above