News Release: OREGON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER EXCEEDS FEDERAL AIR POLLUTION LIMITS, PAYS EPA PENALTY

OREGON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER EXCEEDS FEDERAL AIR POLLUTION LIMITS, PAYS EPA PENALTY CONTACT: AUSA NEIL EVANS, 503-727-1053; HANADY KADER, 206-553-0454   EUGENE, Ore. – Johnson Crushers International, a construction equipment manufacturer based in Eugene, Oregon, released air pollutants into the environment in excess of federal limits, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice. The company has agreed to pay a $147,788 fine for the Clean Air Act violations, as well as $27,212 in past permit fees.   “Under this settlement, Johnson Crushers International will achieve compliance with the Clean Air Act and reduce harmful emissions,” said Amanda Marshall, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.   “This marks another positive step in our efforts, along with EPA and local authorities, to improve our environment.” “Air pollution creates respiratory problems for people and degrades air quality,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in EPA’s Seattle office. “Companies must report air pollutant emissions and abide by permit limits to protect the air we breathe.”   The company emitted xylene in excess of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for operations that apply coatings such as paint to metal products. They also failed to obtain an air operating permit and avoided paying permit fees. Xylene is a hazardous chemical that can damage the eyes, skin, blood, liver, and kidneys as well as the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems.   EPA and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency inspectors identified the violations, which occurred between 2004 and 2009.   For more information on the Clean Air Act, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: OREGON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER EXCEEDS FEDERAL AIR POLLUTION LIMITS, PAYS EPA PENALTY

OREGON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER EXCEEDS FEDERAL AIR POLLUTION LIMITS, PAYS EPA PENALTY CONTACT: AUSA NEIL EVANS, 503-727-1053; HANADY KADER, 206-553-0454   EUGENE, Ore. – Johnson Crushers International, a construction equipment manufacturer based in Eugene, Oregon, released air pollutants into the environment in excess of federal limits, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice. The company has agreed to pay a $147,788 fine for the Clean Air Act violations, as well as $27,212 in past permit fees.   “Under this settlement, Johnson Crushers International will achieve compliance with the Clean Air Act and reduce harmful emissions,” said Amanda Marshall, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon.   “This marks another positive step in our efforts, along with EPA and local authorities, to improve our environment.” “Air pollution creates respiratory problems for people and degrades air quality,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in EPA’s Seattle office. “Companies must report air pollutant emissions and abide by permit limits to protect the air we breathe.”   The company emitted xylene in excess of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for operations that apply coatings such as paint to metal products. They also failed to obtain an air operating permit and avoided paying permit fees. Xylene is a hazardous chemical that can damage the eyes, skin, blood, liver, and kidneys as well as the respiratory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems.   EPA and Lane Regional Air Protection Agency inspectors identified the violations, which occurred between 2004 and 2009.   For more information on the Clean Air Act, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/caa/. You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

EPA News Release (Region 3): EPA Food Recovery How-to Workshop for Grocery, Retail, Food Bank, Composting and Government Agencies Staff

Contact: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov   EPA Food Recovery How-to Workshop for Grocery, Retail, Food Bank, Composting and Government Agencies Staff   Much of the food waste sent to landfills is not waste at all but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions   PHILADELPHIA (November 29, 2011) -- On November 30, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance will hold a Food Recovery Workshop at the Capital Union Building on Penn State University's Harrisburg Campus. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.   Surplus food is second only to paper in materials sent to landfills. Much of this “waste” is not waste at all, but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions of Americans. Only three percent is currently being diverted to hunger relief organizations or for other uses. EPA will showcase the agency's Food Recovery Challenge, a sustainable materials management initiative, which challenges participants to reduce disposal of as much of their surplus food as possible — saving money, helping communities, and protecting the environment.   The daylong workshop will provide information on how to increase the amount of consumable surplus foods provided to food banks and non-consumables food to composters. Professionals in the grocery, retail, food bank, composting, and associated government agencies are encouraged to attend.  This workshop will include sessions on best practices with respect to managing surplus food and updates on regional and national food recovery trends.   Featured speakers include representatives from the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, Feeding America, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, food bank associations, grocers, and EPA.   EPA is providing funding and technical support for the workshop. The registration fee is $30.00 but scholarships may be available if needed.  For more information on scholarships, contact Linda Knapp at: lknapp@ilsr.org.   To register go to: http://surplusfoodrecovery.eventbrite.com. For directions to the Capital Union Building which is located at the corner of College Avenue and O Street on the Penn State Harrisburg Campus, go to: http://hbg.psu.edu/visitors/directions.php   To learn more about the EPA's Food Recovery Challenge go to: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/partnerships/wastewise/challenge/foodrecovery/index.htm   Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.     View all Region 3 News Releases     You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

Compliance and Enforcement News Release (HQ): BP to Pay $426,500 Penalty and Secure Funds to Properly Close Facilities and Clean Up Contaminated Sites

CONTACT: Stacy Kika Kika.stacy@epa.gov 202-564-0906 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 29, 2011 BP to Pay $426,500 Penalty and Secure Funds to Properly Close Facilities and Clean Up Contaminated Sites WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that several subsidiaries of BP America Inc. have agreed to pay a $426,500 penalty and ensure that more than $240 million in funds are secured to resolve violations of hazardous waste, drinking water and Superfund financial assurance requirements. Financial assurance protects public health and the environment by ensuring that companies have the financial resources available to properly close facilities and clean up pollution at contaminated industrial sites. “Financial assurance protects taxpayers from having to foot the bill for costly cleanups,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement will ensure that BP’s subsidiaries have the funds available to cover any necessary cleanup costs today and into the future.” BP produces, refines and markets oil and gas. Upon receipt of information from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and BP, EPA determined that between 2006 and 2010 BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., BP Products North America Inc., and BP West Coast Products LLC failed to meet their Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) financial assurance requirements.   On July 14, 2010, EPA sent notices of violation to BP notifying the companies that they were not in compliance with applicable financial assurance requirements and that they needed to obtain qualifying financial assurance for these obligations. As part of the two administrative agreements, BP has obtained replacement financial assurance instruments in the form of letters of credit, standby trusts, and insurance policies for more than $149.1 million in obligations. Specifically, BP has provided assurances covering $129.8 million for its RCRA hazardous waste facilities and $19.2 million to address the closure, plugging, and abandonment of underground injection control wells under the SDWA. BP has also agreed to pay a civil penalty of $411,500 and has agreed to maintain compliance with the financial assurance requirements under RCRA and SDWA. EPA found that financial assurance provided by BP subsidiaries, Atlantic Richfield Company and BP Products North America Inc., at several Superfund sites was also inadequate. BP has resolved these issues by providing compliant financial assurance mechanisms covering $98.8 million in Superfund obligations and agreeing to pay a penalty of $15,000.   BP also had inadequate financial assurance coverage for RCRA facilities covered by state orders and regulations and for SDWA wells for which the states have primary enforcement responsibility. EPA worked with its state partners to obtain from BP a total of $76.4 million in compliant financial assurance coverage for these obligations. More information on the settlement: www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/rcra/bpalaskainc.html R350    Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.   View all news releases related to compliance and enforcement   You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: Kent hazardous waste company sparks fires, pays EPA penalty

Kent hazardous waste company sparks fires, pays EPA penalty CONTACT: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov; Kevin Schanilec, EPA Office of Compliance and Enforcement, 206-553-1061, schanilec.kevin@epa.gov (Seattle—Nov. 29, 2011) A Kent, Washington, hazardous waste management facility has agreed to pay the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a $275,000 penalty for violating state and federal hazardous waste management laws. According to EPA, workers at Burlington Environmental caused two fires by mishandling hazardous waste and failing to comply with basic facility safety rules. “Improper hazardous waste handling can lead to dangerous situations,” said Jeff Kenknight, manager of EPA’s Hazardous Waste Compliance Unit in Seattle. “Facilities need to follow basic rules to run facilities safely and protect surrounding neighborhoods.” According to EPA documents related to the case, improper processing of lead-contaminated firing range filters and fertilizers started two fires at the facility in July 2009. The company was also cited for failing to store hazardous waste containers properly; storing incompatible wastes next to each other; faulty safety equipment and inadequate signage. Burlington Environmental is a subsidiary of Philip Services Corporation. The company violated provisions of its permit under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. For more information on RCRA, visit: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/cleanup/rcra/index.html You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

Compliance and Enforcement News Release (HQ): Lafarge North America Inc. Agrees to Pay $740,000 Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Act Violations in Five States

CONTACT: Stacy Kika Kika.stacy@epa.gov 202-564-0906 202-564-4355 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 29, 2011 Lafarge North America Inc. Agrees to Pay $740,000 Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Act Violations in Five States Ready-mix concrete producer agrees to invest an estimated $8 million to improve environmental compliance at 189 facilities in the U.S. WASHINGTON — Lafarge North America Inc., one of the largest suppliers of construction materials in the United States and Canada, and four of its U.S. subsidiaries have agreed to resolve alleged Clean Water Act violations. The violations include unpermitted discharges of stormwater at 21 stone, gravel, sand, asphalt and ready-mix concrete facilities in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and New York. Stormwater flowing over concrete manufacturing facilities can carry debris, sediment and pollutants, including pesticides, petroleum products, chemicals and solvents, which can have a significant impact on water quality. “EPA is committed to protecting America’s waters from polluted stormwater runoff,” said Cynthia Giles, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement will improve stormwater management at facilities across the nation, preventing harmful pollutants from being swept into local waterways.” “Owners and operators of industrial facilities must take the necessary measures to comply with stormwater regulations under the Clean Water Act, which protects America’s rivers, lakes, and sources of drinking water from harmful contamination,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The system-wide management controls and training that this settlement requires from Lafarge and its subsidiaries will result in better management practices and a robust compliance program at hundreds of facilities throughout the nation that will prevent harmful stormwater runoff.” Lafarge will implement a nationwide evaluation and compliance program at 189 of its similar facilities in the United States to ensure they meet Clean Water Act requirements. Lafarge will also pay a penalty of $740,000 and implement two supplemental environmental projects, in which the company will complete conservation easements to protect approximately 166 acres in Maryland and Colorado. The value of the land has been appraised at approximately $2,95 million. Lafarge will also implement one state environmentally beneficial project valued at $10,000 to support environmental training for state inspectors. The comprehensive evaluation will include a compliance review of each facility’s permit, an inventory of all discharges to U.S. waters, and identification of all best management practices in place. In addition, Lafarge must identify an environmental vice president, responsible for coordinating oversight of compliance with stormwater requirements, at least two environmental directors, to oversee stormwater compliance at each operation, and an onsite operations manager at each facility. The U.S. estimates that Lafarge will spend approximately $8 million over five years to develop and maintain this compliance program. The company will also develop and implement an extensive management, training, inspections, and reporting system to increase oversight of its operations and compliance with stormwater requirements at all facilities that it owns or operates. The complaint, filed in federal court with the settlement, alleges a pattern of violations since 2006 that were discovered after several federal inspections at the company’s facilities. The alleged violations included unpermitted discharges, violations of effluent limitations, inadequate management practices, inadequate or missing records and practices regarding stormwater compliance and monitoring, inadequate discharge monitoring and reporting, inadequate stormwater pollution prevention plans, and inadequate stormwater training. The Clean Water Act requires that industrial facilities, such as ready-mix concrete plants, sand and gravel facilities and asphalt batching plants, have controls in place to prevent pollution from being discharged with stormwater into nearby waterways. Each site must have a stormwater pollution prevention plan that sets guidelines and best management practices that the company will follow to prevent runoff from being contaminated by pollutants. Since being notified of the violations by EPA, the company has made significant improvements to its stormwater management systems. The settlement is the latest in a series of federal enforcement actions to address stormwater violations from industrial facilities and construction sites around the country. The states of Maryland and Colorado are co-plaintiffs and have joined the proposed settlement. Lafarge is required to pay the penalty within 30 days of the court’s approval of the settlement. More information on the settlement: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/cwa/lafargenorthamerica.html R349Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.   View all news releases related to compliance and enforcement   You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355

News Release: Four Groups in EPA Region 6 to Receive More than $3.1 Million to Reduce Diesel Emissions

Four Groups in EPA Region 6 Receive More than $3.1 Million to Reduce Diesel Emissions   (DALLAS – November 29, 2011) More than $3.1 million in Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds have been granted to four organizations in EPA Region 6 to aid in diesel emissions reductions. The organizations are the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Railroad Research Foundation, Leonardo Academy and Port of Houston Authority. The funds are part of $50 million allocated nationwide through the National Clean Diesel Program’s DERA grant program.   “Reducing diesel emissions is an effective way to improve air quality and protect public health,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “These projects will help improve our economy, our health and our environment.”   Diesel engines emit 7.3 million tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 333,000 tons of soot annually. Diesel pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks and millions of lost work days.   Through DERA, EPA provides support for retrofits, engine upgrades, vehicle replacements, idle reduction, cleaner fuels and financing for clean technologies for trucks, buses, marine vessels, railroad switch engines and non-road equipment. Overall, the improvements funded by these grants consist of EPA-verified and certified technologies to assist in the reduction of diesel emissions.   The Houston-Galveston Area Council has been selected to receive $991,041 in DERA funds. This project will repower three marine vessels operating throughout the Houston-Galveston and Corpus Christi areas. Seven engines on three old tug boat and harbor craft will be repowered with new, cleaner engine technology.   The Railroad Research Foundation will receive $265,807 in federal funds to install EPA-verified automatic engine start-stop devices on 40 switch engines assigned to key locations in Shreveport, Louisiana. These engines operate all year around the clock, each consuming an average of 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually. Idle reduction technology will reduce fuel consumption by about 7,000 gallons per engine per year or about 280,000 gallons per year for the project.   The Leonardo Academy has been selected to receive $971,090 in DERA funds for clean diesel projects involving Class 8 delivery trucks fleets in Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. Conventional Class 8 tractors will be replaced with new trucks equipped with hybrid-electric or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems. It is anticipated this project will save 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year and reduce emissions by more than 20 percent. This project will be focused on 40 diesel engines within EPA Regions 6 and 7, with an anticipated improvement in regional and national air quality and increased public health benefits. (EPA Region 7 includes Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska and nine tribal nations. EPA Region 6 includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 tribal nations).   The Port of Houston Authority will receive $943,413 in DERA funds. This is a public/private partnership for “fuel-switching,” which substitutes one type of fuel for a more environmentally friendly fuel, with CMA CGM and the Port of Houston Authority. CMA CGM is a global carrier operating on all the world’s oceans and headquartered in Marseille, France.   Marine engines typically operate on bunker fuel with a sulfur content of 2.7 percent. The project will utilize distillate marine diesel fuel with a sulfur content less than or equal to 0.2 percent. It will be used at and within 24 nautical miles of the Texas coast. The project will accelerate the adoption of fuel switching for ocean going vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and will be a significant incentive for reducing emissions in the Houston-Galveston area.   From 2008 to 2010, EPA has awarded nearly $470 million to more than 350 grantees across the nation under the DERA grant program. The grant-supported clean diesel projects have cleaned or replaced more than 50,000 vehicles and equipment nationwide.   More information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign, including a list of grantees is available at http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel   More about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html   EPA audio file is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/nov2011.html   # # # For more information contact Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov     You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355