EPA v. Japanese Auto Wrecking Site

Case summary

The facility consists of an approximately two-acre parcel of property owned by BB4, BB5, BB7 Partnerships (Respondents) located at and near 7777 South 262nd Street, Kent, Washington 98037. The facility is located near other auto wrecking yards, is within 0.25 mile of the Green River, and within 0.5 mile of residences. Within the two acres, at least four approximately 20-foot deep pits were dug by former tenants of Respondent. The pits are approximately 400 yards from the Green River. The former tenants would dispose of automotive fluids by crushing old cars and draining gasoline and engine oils into these pits. Former employees of a former tenant reported the dumping of gasoline directly into the soil at several locations. The pits were later backfilled with available soil and detritus from the facility. In addition, there is a 2,500-gallon tank containing an unknown quantity of oil located on the facility. On or about February 24, 2003, a discharge of gasoline from the pits within the facility may have reached the Green River, which is a navigable water of the United States. The facility was referred to the EPA�s Emergency Response Unit by Respondent, the Washington Department of Ecology, Washington State Patrol, and EPA�s Office of Waste and Chemicals Management. EPA is issuing this AOC to Respondent conduct an OPA cleanup at the facility.

Defendants (1)

• BB4, BB5, BB7, PartnershipsNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• JAPANESE AUTO WRECKING

  7777 262ND ST, KENT, WA, 98032

  Registry ID: 110060639233

Statutes cited

• CWA 311B — Oil & Hazardous Substances Discharge

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Japanese Auto Wrecking Siteentered 2004-09-02

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2004-02-24Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2004-09-02Final Order Issued