EPA v. A-1 PALLETS (CWA NPDES)

Case summary

On January 13, 2025, Region 10 issued an administrative order on consent to A-1 Pallets, Inc. for two facilities, one in Auburn, Washington and the other in Kent, Washington. A-1 Pallets failed to submit reports, failed to conduct sampling, failed to implement and maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs), failed to maintain a complete Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), failed to conduct monthly inspections, failed to correct permit violations, or provide Information upon request by the Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE). The receiving waters of Mill Creek and the Green River are not meeting their designated beneficial uses. To return to compliance, the Respondent has agreed to file a Notice of Intents (NOIs) for continued coverage under WDOE's new Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP) for both facilities, update the facility SWPPPs, install Best Management Practices (BMPs), i.e. catch basin inserts, and conduct and document annual employee training. The environment will benefit from this action by preventing the discharge of excessive pollutants through the use of catch basin filters. The estimated cost of implementing this injunctive relief is approximately $10.000. The AOC covers Auburn and Kent, Washington. Auburn, Washington is in an EJ area with environmental justice concerns.

Defendants (1)

• A-1 PALLETSNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• A1 PALLETS INC KENT

  7752 S 259TH ST, KENT, WA, 98032

  Registry ID: 110071181901

• A1 PALLETS INC AUBURN

  147 37TH ST NE, AUBURN, WA, 98001

  Registry ID: 110071181948

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• A-1 PALLETS (CWA NPDES)entered 2025-01-13

  Primary law: CWA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-12-12Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-01-13Final Order Issued
• 2025-01-13Complaint Filed/Proposed Order