Two Alaskan companies have agreed to resolve violations of federal stormwater rules intended to protect surface water and waterways, according to settlements with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
CPD Alaska and Wrangell Oil both violated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. They have each agreed to settle the violations with the EPA in two separate settlements.
CPD Alaska, LLC
An EPA inspection revealed that a facilities upgrade project in 2012 resulted in improper stormwater discharges to Cook Inlet. A contractor excavating in an area with known gasoline and diesel groundwater contamination collected the contaminated, untreated groundwater and discharged it into the stormwater sewer system.
The facility has resolved the violations and paid a fine of US$ 147 000.
Wrangell Oil, Inc.
An EPA inspection found violations from 2008 to 2013 including failure to sample discharges, failure to maintain monitoring records, and failure to develop a plan for best management practices.
Wrangell Oil has resolved the violations and paid a fine of US$ 45 500. The facility was sold to a new fuel distribution operator in 2013.
Jeff KenKnight, EPA NPDES Unit Manager commented: “Stormwater permits protect Alaskan waters from harmful pollutants. Industrial facilities must properly manage industrial stormwater during construction projects and submit accurate records to ensure all facilities operate on a level playing field”.
EPA conducted the inspections of the two facilties while the agency had NPDES permit administration responsibilities for the Alaska oil and gas sector. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation now administers an approved state NPDES program and has implemented a state program for the oil and gas sector in Alaska since October 2012.
Adapted from a press release by Emma McAleavey.