EPA v. Western Organics/Gro-Well Brands (NMR05GW56)

Case summary

A stormwater compliance inspection was conducted at the commercial site of Western Organics/Gro-Well Brands, Albuquerque, NM. The inspection was conducted on January 27, 2011, by the New Mexico Environment Department. It was determined that the facility did not have coverage under the Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit from September 28, 2008, to March 17, 2010. Beginning March 17, 2010, facility was authorized to discharge pollutants to waters of the US, but only in compliance with the specific terms and conditions of the permit. Certain inspections were to take place as specific times during the term of the permit, and facility failed to conduct those inspections. An administrative order was issued requiring facility to come into compliance with the permit by November 25, 2011. or within forty-five days of the effective date of the administrative order. A complaint was also issued assessing proposed penalties against the the facility and the final Consent Agreement Final Order (CAFO) was issued February 28, 2012, for a penalty.

Defendants (1)

• Western Organics/Gro-Well Brands (NMR05GW56)Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• WESTERN ORGANICS / GRO-WELL BRANDS

  9000 BATES SE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87105

  Registry ID: 110007145115

• WESTERN ORGANICS / GRO-WELL BRANDS

  9000 BATES SE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87105

  Registry ID: 110007145115

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Western Organics/Gro-Well Brands (NMR05GW56)entered 2012-02-28

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $6,000

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2011-10-31Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2012-02-28NPDES Closed
• 2012-02-28Compliance Achieved
• 2012-02-28Enforcement Action Closed
• 2012-02-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-02-28Final Order Issued