Category: Environmental

Air emissions, pollution

New Study Finds EtO Levels in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley Double EPA Threshold Levels

A new study conducted by Johns Hopkins University found ethylene oxide (EtO) levels within Louisiana’s Cancer Alley average twice the threshold level set by the EPA for unacceptable cancer risks. Airborne EtO is dangerous for long-term exposure at any level above 11 parts per trillion (ppt), according to the study. That threshold is very low, […]

EPA sign, Environmental Protection Agency

EPA Announces Proposed Settlement for Alleged CWA Violations

On July 12, 2024, the EPA announced a proposed settlement with OMG Partners of Turlock, California, to resolve claims of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations after one of the company’s tanker trucks overturned and a fuel product spilled into the roadway, Laguna Creek, Coyote Creek, and the Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge. The fuel reached […]

Clean air

Colorado Refinery Receives NOV for Alleged CAA Violations

On July 8, 2024, the EPA announced it issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) Inc., alleging the Commerce City refinery failed to comply with air emissions laws. The NOV was issued in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The agencies allege Suncor violated or is violating […]

drinking water

Consumers Predicted to Bear the Cost of Treating PFAS in Drinking Water

Pushback against the EPA’s new regulations for maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water continues to accelerate, with state and public drinking water system officials claiming the costs of removal will be much more than the EPA estimates. PFAS drinking water regulations In April, the EPA finalized the first-ever […]

EPA Enforcement Roundup Q2 2024

In the second quarter (Q2), the EPA finalized 388 settlement agreements with companies small and large across the United States. This represents a large increase in enforcement actions—up from 235 penalties—issued in Q1 for 2024. The actions taken resulted in $11,061,445 in fines. Here are some of the highlights. CAA violations yield biggest fine from […]

EPA’s MCLs for PFAS in Drinking Water Under Fire

Trade associations and public water utilities have wasted no time in filing lawsuits to stop EPA regulations requiring maximum containment levels (MCL) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. On April 10, 2024, the EPA announced it issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to […]

EPA Continues Crackdown on Automobile ‘Defeat Devices’

Last month, the EPA demonstrated that stopping the installation of aftermarket defeat devices for vehicles and engines remains a top enforcement priority. These defeat devices are “aftermarket parts or software, such as modified exhausts or chip tuning products and services, that inhibit or bypass a vehicle’s emissions controls,” according to MotorTrend. On June 4, 2024, […]

Settlements Mark Progress in Ongoing Roundup Litigation

Recent settlements in the product liability lawsuits stemming from the use of the weed killer Roundup mark progress in the ongoing litigation across the country. Roundup is one of the most widely used weedkillers in the United States. It was originally manufactured by Monsanto Co. and used glyphosate as its most active ingredient, which has […]

Company Agrees to $195K Penalty for Alleged CAA Refrigerant Violations

On June 11, 2024, the EPA announced a settlement with Andersen’s Sales and Salvage Inc., based in Greeley, Colorado, resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) associated with releases of refrigerants. The consent agreement and final order require the company to pay a $195,000 penalty for these violations. “Andersen’s Sales and Salvage failed […]

SCOTUS to Review EPA Wastewater Rules

EPA Clean Water Act (CWA) wastewater regulations are set to face U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) scrutiny. In the case City and County of San Francisco v. EPA, San Francisco is suing the EPA over generic water quality prohibitions in permitting decisions. “The EPA had urged the Supreme Court to decline the petition, insisting narrative limitations […]