EPA v. Emerald Services, Inc.

Case summary

This September 8, 2017, settlement addresses violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and of the storage and treatment permit for dangerous (hazardous) waste at the Emerald Services, Inc. facility in Tacoma, WA. The facility is owned by Clean Harbors, Inc., and is within the boundaries of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Reservation. Specifically, the violations include inadequate third-party liability insurance coverage for the past six years. There is a history of frequent spills and incidents at Emerald's Tacoma facility, which handles dangerous waste solvents, antifreeze and re-refines used oil. For example, a recent spill of 1,900 gallons of recycled fuel oil/asphalt flux, a highly dangerous material, injured a worker. The pattern of frequent spills and releases indicates that the facility may have a higher probability of future accidents, and it is therefore important that the facility demonstrate liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to assure that funds will be able to compensate third parties, including payment for medical care and environmental restoration. Emerald Services, Inc. agreed to pay a penalty of $125,800, and has amended its current insurance policy to ensure that it is in compliance with the permit and the state-authorized financial assurance regulations. This enforcement action was coordinated with the State of Washington Department of Ecology.

Defendants (1)

• Emerald Services, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• EMERALD SERVICES TACOMA

  1825 ALEXANDER AVE, TACOMA, WA, 98421

  Registry ID: 110000620588

Statutes cited

• RCRA 3007A — Inspection, Information Request

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Emerald Services, Inc.entered 2017-09-08

  Primary law: RCRA

  Federal penalty: $125,800

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2017-08-14Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2017-09-08Final Order Issued
• 2017-09-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-10-11Enforcement Action Closed