EPA v. E & J PARTS CLEANING

Case summary

On August 2, 2024, EPA settled an administrative penalty action against E. & J. Parts Cleaning, Inc. (E. & J. Parts) alleging violations of Section 313 of the Emergency Response and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) at its Waterbury, Connecticut metal parts cleaning location (Facility). The Facility uses trichloroethylene (TCE) in its vapor degreasing operations. TCE is a known carcinogen and has been known to cause mutagenic effects in humans. Inhalation of high vapor concentrations of TCE can also cause headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, or vomiting. Section 313(a) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023(a) requires owners or operators of a facility subject to the requirements of Section 313(b), 42 U.S.C.11023(b) to submit annually a Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form for each toxic chemical listed under 40 C.F.R. 372.65 that was manufactured, processed, or otherwise used during the preceding calendar year in quantities exceeding the toxic chemical thresholds established under Section 313(f) of EPCRA, 42. U.S.C. 11023(f) and 40 C.F.R. 372.55 and 372.28. The Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) alleges that E. & J. Parts violated EPCRA Section 313 and its implementing regulations by failing to timely submit and certify required Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports for TCE for the calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The CAFO requires E. & J. Parts to pay a civil penalty of $15,587. The Facility is located in an area of potential Environmental Justice concern. EPCRA's TRI reporting program is a nondelegated federal program enforced only by EPA. Enforcement of EPCRA's reporting requirements ensures that communities are not deprived of their right to know about chemicals used, stored, or released within their vicinity that may affect public health and the environment.

Defendants (1)

• E&J Parts Cleaning, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• E & J PARTS CLEANING

  1669 THOMASTON AVE BLDG 6A 2ND FL, WATERBURY, CT, 06704

  Registry ID: 110001406728

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 313 — Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (TRI)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• E & J PARTS CLEANINGentered 2024-08-02

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $15,587

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2024-08-02Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-08-02Final Order Issued
• 2024-08-16Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2024-09-25Enforcement Action Closed