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Everett, Mass. Metal Finisher Fined and Settles Environmental Violations

Bay State Galvanizing, Inc., of Everett, Mass., will pay a cash penalty of $40,000 to settle EPA claims that the metal finisher violated the terms of its permit to discharge storm water under the Clean Water Act.

Specifically, an EPA investigation concluded that Bay State violated the federal Clean Water Act by failing to update and implement a storm water pollution prevention plan at the facility. The investigation also concluded that the Everett-based company violated the federal Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and related Massachusetts laws, due to the company's failure to comply with training requirements to reduce risks of employee exposure to hazardous wastes.

"It is important that all facilities understand and comply with requirements that are designed to protect both people's health and our shared environment," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England regional office.

Bay State conducts metal finishing operations in an industrial section of Everett. Storm water from Bay State's operations discharges through two storm drains to the City of Everett's location on Spring Street which then discharges to the Island End River, and then ultimately into the Mystic River. EPA inspectors discovered that Bay State has failed to implement its "Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan," which is required under the Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities, which outlines the facility's responsibilities for storm water management. Implementation of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan should reduce the pollutants in storm water discharges from the facility.

Last August, EPA issued an Administrative Order requiring Bay State to update and implement its Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, utilizing best management practices and complying with inspection, sampling and training requirements. That order also directed Bay State to comply with RCRA training requirements, thus reducing the risk of employee exposure to hazardous waste and helping ensure that Bay State will manage its waste in an environmentally protective manner.

Under terms of the settlement, Bay State will pay a combined fine for both violations of $40,000.

More information:

EPA's storm water pollution prevention program (cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/indust.cfm)

RCRA enforcement in New England (epa.gov/ne/enforcement/waste/index.html)

Source: U.S. EPA