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Greenbytes: January 21, 2004 Edition
In this IssueGreetings from EPA New England. We hope you find this edition of Greenbytes useful and we encourage you to give us feedback. For information on subscribing or unsubscribing see the section at the end of this message.
Compliance with stormwater regulations continues to be a top enforcement priority at EPA NE. This month, the agency filed complaints against three New Hampshire-based companies for alleged violations of stormwater rules at a 75-acre residential development project in Methuen, MA. The complaint, filed against the developer, the general contractor and the company responsible for road construction and utility installation, seeks up to $137,500 of penalties. The complaint alleges that the companies failed to obtain required federal stormwater permits and failed to fully prepare and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan. EPA inspections showed that because of incomplete and poorly maintained controls, sediments and solids were being discharged off the construction site into adjoining wetlands and a brook. Methuen’s Conservation Commission issued an enforcement order to the developers in 2001 for similar violations. The case is among many EPA NE has initiated the past few years to improve compliance with stormwater rules at New England construction sites. More than 50 inspections have been carried out in the region since June 2001 and more than a half dozen of those inspections have resulted in enforcement actions. Rainwater running off construction sites can carry sediments, oil and various other pollutants into nearby streams, ponds and rivers. Erosion from a one-acre construction site can discharge as much as 20 to 150 tons of sediment in one year if not properly managed. Sediments reduce the storage capacity of drains and waterways, causing flooding and adversely affecting water quality and fish habitat. Sediments and chemicals can also contribute to fish die-offs, toxic algae blooms, contaminated shellfish beds and closed swimming beaches. In 1998, more than 1,500 beach closings and advisories in U.S. coastal and Great Lakes communities were attributed to stormwater runoff from construction sites, streets, parking lots, agricultural lands and yards. Federal stormwater rules require all parties conducting construction activity disturbing at least one acre of soil to develop and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan that meets federal guidelines. Stormwater plans, once implemented, will minimize erosion, reduce sediment loss and prevent negative byproducts of construction operations and maintenance (oils, gas, grease, chemicals, equipment washout and trash) from polluting stormwater. Among other components, the plans call for frequent inspections of stormwater controls during construction activities so that any observed problems can be fixed as soon as possible. Stormwater compliance is a top priority at EPA, both locally and nationally. One of the biggest national cases to date was a 2002 settlement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in which the company agreed to pay a $1 million penalty and implement a $4.5 million environmental management plan stemming from widespread stormwater violations at 17 locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Massachusetts. EPA has also developed written materials, web sites, workshops and other products to help those involved in construction projects understand how to comply with stormwater laws. Much of this information can be found at the agency’s regional web site www.epa.gov/ne/topics/water/stormwater.html Developers seeking further assistance can contact Abby Swaine, of EPA NE's Assistance Unit (617) 918-1841
Press Releases EPA Seeks Nominations for Annual Environmental Merit Awards; Deadline Feb. 2, 2004 EPA Charges Three Companies With Stormwater Violations at MA Development EPA Announces $48 Million Cleanup Decision for the Beede Waste Oil Superfund Site in Plaistow NH Superfund Cleanups in New England – Setting The Record Straight Hudson Company Pays $82,500 Penalty to Resolve Clean Water Violations EPA Orders Town of Great Barrington to Follow Clean Water Act
Events and conferences are not archived. Please refer to the Regional Calendar for upcoming events and conferences.
Ahlstrom Dexter Main Plant RCRA Cleanup Site
Beede Waste Oil Superfund Site - record of decision (upper right hand side of page) Broad Brook Mill Superfund Site - proposed cercla administrative cost recovery settlement Carbon Monoxide - tips under ‘general blue banner’ Center for Environmental Industry & Technology - new sections ‘request a technology connection’ & ‘who needs your technology’ Colleges & Universities - updated text and links Diesel Exhaust - updated text and links Elizabeth Mine Superfund Site - file added ’geochemical characteristics of TP3 mine wastes’ 2003 General Electric Superfund Site Incineration - updated map and facility locations M H Rhodes RCRA Cleanup Site - current human exposures under control environmental indicator determination, 12/23/03 Ottati & Goss/Kingston Steel Drum Superfund Site - third five-year review report, 12/29/03 Stratford Army Engine Plant RCRA Cleanup Site - current human exposures under control environmental indicator determination, 09/16/03
"In The News" is a free daily service that provides links to today's top newspaper stories about the New England environment and links to related EPA New England information. In The News Email Service: As soon as today's edition of "In The News" has been posted we will email you a listing of the day's environmental news. |
