EPA v. Opelika Water Works Board

Case summary

2/3/05 - Expedited Settlement Agreement, assessed penalty $2,760 ($1,380 per facility). Failure to document as part of the process safety information: Maximum intended; Safet upper and lower process temperatures, pressures, flows and compositions; Equipment specificiations; and Codes and standards used to design, build and operate the process. Failure to document opportunities for equipment malfunctions or human errors that could cause an accidental release as part of the process hazard review. Failure to document steps used or needed to detect or monitor releases as part of the process hazard review. Failure to document safeguards used or needed to control the hazards or prevent equipment malfunctions or human error as part of the process hazard review. Failure to prepare written operating procedures that provide clear instructions or steps for safely conducting activities associated with each covered process consistent with the safety information. Failure to certify that employees presently operating the processes have been trained or tested competent in the operating procedures that pertain to their duties. Failure to prepare and implement procedures to maintain the on-going mechanical integrity of process equipment. Failure to certify that the owner or operator has evaluated compliance with the RMP prevention program provisions at least every three years to verify that the procedures and practices are adequate and are being followed.

Defendants (1)

• OPELIKA WATER WORKS BOARD (SB)Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• ROBERT A BETTS FILTER PLANT

  7473 LEE ROAD 279, VALLEY, AL, 36872

  Registry ID: 110000557978

• SAUGAHATCHEE LAKE FILTER PLANT

  3803 SAUGAHATCHEE LAKE ROAD, OPELIKA, AL, 36801

  Registry ID: 110000509281

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Opelika Water Works Boardentered 2005-02-03

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $2,760

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2005-02-03Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2005-02-03Final Order Issued
• 2005-02-22Enforcement Action Data Entered