EPA v. Starbucks Corporation

Case summary

Region 10 Settles with Starbucks Corporation (Kent, WA) for EPCRA 312 Violations On August 31, 2020, Region 10 settled with Starbucks Corporation (Kent, WA) for violations of Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) for failing to file its annual Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Report for two facilities during the 2017 and 2018 reporting years. Both facilities stored hazardous chemicals, including one extremely hazardous substance. EPCRA Section 312 requires companies to file hazardous chemical inventory report forms with the State Emergency Response Commission, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the local Fire Department each year by March 1st. The circumstances of the violation indicate that the potential for the surrounding community to be at-risk of exposure in the event of a release was higher given the proximity of the surrounding community to both facilities. Both facilities had previously submitted Tier II reports for local emergency planners and first responders should have the knowledge of the chemicals onsite but would not have the most current information if a release occurred. The company was very cooperative during settlement discussion and has since implemented a nation-wide training program in efforts to prevent continued noncompliance. In addition, the company agreed to pay a penalty of $100,000.

Defendants (1)

• Starbucks CorporationNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• STARBUCKS COFFEE CO

  18411 77TH PL S, KENT, WA, 98032

  Registry ID: 110012626177

Statutes cited

• EPCRA 312 — Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Starbucks Corporationentered 2020-09-02

  Primary law: EPCRA

  Federal penalty: $100,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2020-07-20Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2020-09-02Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2020-09-02Final Order Issued