EPA v. MERIDIAN INDUSTRIES, INC.

Case summary

September 2010 - The United States (EPA and DOJ) negotiated a civil penalty of $900,000.00 to be paid by Meridian Industries, Inc. to settle Meridian’s RCRA violations. Meridian had previously owned a textile mill. It ceased operations in June 2003, but left all the chemicals from its operations onsite, and then sold the facility in September 2006. In July 2006, there was a fire at the facility, to which EPA On-Scene Coordinators, among others, responded. Following the fire, EPA conducted inspections, and one sampling visit at the facility. The results of these inspections and sampling visit indicated Meridian had violated numerous RCRA provisions. Specifically, Meridian failed to make hazardous waste determinations; stored hazardous waste without a permit; failed to have emergency preparedness and training; had container management violations; failed to equip the facility with necessary equipment; and failed to make emergency arrangements with local authorities. The purchaser of the facility ensured the removal all the waste chemicals and performed the requisite cleanup of the facility. Thus, the United States’ settlement with Meridian does not contain any injunctive relief.

Defendants (1)

• MERIDIAN INDUSTRIES, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BELMONT DYERS CO SITE (METROPOLITAN GROUP)

  18 LINESTOWE DR, BELMONT, NC, 28012

  Registry ID: 110031401711

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3005 — Permits for Treatment, Storage, or Disposal of Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• MERIDIAN INDUSTRIES, INC. (04-2010-C025)entered 2010-09-29

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $900,000

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 2010-04-06Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2010-04-23Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2010-09-17Final Order Lodged
• 2010-09-17Complaint Filed With Court
• 2010-09-29Final Order Entered
• 2010-09-29Concluded
• 2011-10-17Enforcement Action Closed