A look at major EPA fines in Q2-Q3 2019

October 18th, 2019 by Dakota Software Staff

As is the case with other federal and state environmental health and safety regulators, the Environmental Protection Agency issues fines and other penalties to businesses and organizations that violate its rules. While Occupational Safety and Health Administration fines often receive more attention in the media and the EPA has reduced its compliance enforcement actives in recent years, the environmental watchdog has not ignored its duties. Let's look at two of the most notable fines issued by the administration in the second and third quarters of 2019.

Deliberate attempt to circumvent CAA standards leads to monumental fine

"The $47M fine is one of the most notable in recent years."

By far the largest single monetary penalty imposed by the EPA came about due to a heavy equipment manufacturer breaking Clean Air Act rules tied to emissions standards for moving sources, as EHS Daily Advisor pointed out. Specifically, the company maintained a reserve of diesel engines that didn't comply with enhanced emissions requirements, then installed them in more than 2,200 non-road vehicles.

The scale of the violation meant the EPA imposed one of the most substantial individual fines in its history, $47 million. The penalty is still in the works, with EHS Daily Advisor noting that it's expected to be completed within a few months. That fine comes on top of a separate criminal penalty of nearly $2 million issued as part of a U.S. Department of Justice decision.

While Reuters reported that an analysis of agency data by a former administration official found the EPA issued the lowest level of inflation-adjusted fines in at least 20 years in 2018, it's clear the administration is still more than willing to act when necessary.

Chemical manufacturing company pays out more than $1M in combined fines and local assistance

A Delaware-based chemical manufacturer violated rules that protect the communities around facilities from and emergency personnel who respond to incidents related to hazardous chemicals, according to an EPA consent decree. The company must pay a penalty of $492,000, correct documented violations and pay $939,852 to provide emergency equipment to surrounding communities. This penalty is an example of how other tools at the EPA's disposal can increase the financial impact of rule violations.

In all, the EPA issued a total of 264 enforcement actions between April and September. With enforcement remaining an important part of the EPA's strategy, businesses need to keep a close eye on their own environmental responsibilities. To learn more about the ways Dakota Software can help you map out and monitor your compliance activities, contact us for a product demonstration.