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An EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, dated September 6, 2023, recommends that the EPA enhance oversight to ensure all refineries remain in compliance with benzene fenceline monitoring regulations. “Oversight by the EPA and delegated authorities has not ensured that all refineries that exceed the action level reduce their benzene concentrations at their fencelines,” […]
The National Priorities List (NPL) includes the most seriously contaminated Superfund sites across the nation. These sites contain uncontrolled or abandoned releases of contamination. The list serves as the basis for prioritizing EPA Superfund cleanup funding and enforcement actions. Only releases at nonfederal sites included on the NPL are eligible to receive federal funding for […]
A Millersburg, Ohio, roofing contractor faces $548,801 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines, the agency announced September 14. The agency cited JMH Roofing LLC with 8 willful and 2 repeat violations for again exposing workers to deadly fall hazards of up to 19 feet (ft) at 4 residential roofing jobsites in Canton, Uniontown, […]
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wage and Hour Division (WHD) are investigating workplace safety and child labor violations at a Hattiesburg, Mississippi, poultry plant following the death of a 16-year-old worker, the DOL announced September 11. “As federal investigators continue to try to understand how a 16-year-old died […]
The EPA’s proposed rules on regulating ethylene oxide (EtO) have sparked a catfight between the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to several sources. In April 2023, the EPA issued two proposals aimed at reducing EtO emissions, including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to […]
On July 21, 2023, the EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register that removes the “emergency” affirmative defense provisions from the EPA’s Title V operating permit program regulations. Title V background The Title V program requires major sources of air pollutants, and certain other sources, to obtain and operate in compliance with an […]
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs), which continue the EPA’s focus on reducing risks of accidental releases at industrial and chemical facilities. For the first time, the EPA’s initiatives emphasize inspecting and addressing noncompliance at facilities that use […]
An international automotive services franchisor faces $256,707 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for one willful and 12 serious safety and health violations at its franchised Take 5 Car Wash location in Beechwood, Ohio, the agency announced September 7. Take 5 Car Wash is a franchised automotive service center of Driven Brands, whose […]
A Stafford, Texas, engine components manufacturer faces $298,250 in proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties for 2 repeat and 14 new serious violations, the agency announced August 31. OSHA cited Air Starter Components Inc. with two repeat violations for failing to adjust bench grinders properly and not posting 2022 injury and illness logs, […]
On August 29, 2023, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced a final rule amending the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States (WOTUS)” to conform with the recent U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. EPA. Having a clear and defensible definition of WOTUS is critical for Clean […]