EPA v. Post Point Water Treatment Plant

Case summary

On May 15, 2018, Region 10 filed an expedited settlement agreement which both initiated and concluded an administrative action against the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bellingham, Washington for violations of CAA 112(r) Risk Management Program requirements. Respondent failed to comply with several risk management program requirements that apply to its use of chlorine. Most importantly, Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant failed to have robust training and operating procedures for their operators to avoid process upsets and adequate compliance audits to identify and resolve compliance issues in preventing a chlorine release that could impact the community surrounding its facility. A plan provides important information to emergency responders and planners that include accurate chemical quantities, emergency contacts and demonstrate operation and maintenance of the chlorination system process at its facility. The municipality agreed to pay a penalty of $13,120.

Defendants (1)

• Post Point Water Treatment PlantNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• POST POINT PLANT

  200 MCKENZIE AVE, BELLINGHAM, WA, 98225

  Registry ID: 110061176016

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Post Point Water Treatment Plantentered 2018-05-15

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $13,120

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2018-03-12Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2018-05-15Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2018-05-15Final Order Issued
• 2018-05-17Enforcement Action Closed