EPA v. W.R. COBB

Case summary

On September 22, 2023, EPA settled an administrative penalty action against W. R. Cobb Company (Respondent) alleging violations of Section 112(r)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), known as the General Duty Clause, and Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The alleged violations arise from Respondent's storage and use of anhydrous ammonia at its jewelry manufacturing facility in East Providence, Rhode Island. Respondent violated the General Duty Clause by failing to conduct a process hazard review for the ammonia used at its facility and violated EPCRA Section 313 by failing to timely submit and certify Toxics Release Inventory reporting forms for anhydrous ammonia used and processed at the facility in calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The settlement requires Respondent pay a civil penalty of $108,900. The facility is in area of environmental justice concern. CAA 112r and EPCRA are direct implementation programs, but EPA has notified the State of the settlement.

Defendants (1)

• W. R. Cobb CompanyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• W.R. COBB CO.

  800 WATERMAN AVE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI, 02914

  Registry ID: 110012481858

• W.R. COBB CO.

  800 WATERMAN AVE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RI, 02914

  Registry ID: 110012481858

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause
• EPCRA 313 — Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (TRI)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• W.R. COBBentered 2023-09-22

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $108,900

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2023-09-22Final Order Issued
• 2023-09-22Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2023-09-28Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2023-10-31Enforcement Action Closed