EPA v. PACIFIC STEEL AND RECYCLING - APO (CWA NPDES)

Case summary

On September 26, 2025, Region 10 filed a Consent Agreement and Final Order resolving violations of the Clean Water Act by Pacific Hide & Fur Depot, dba Pacific Steel and Recycling, for its steel and scrap recycling facility in Lewiston, Idaho. Region 10 alleges that the Respondent failed to comply with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity. Alleged violations include inadequately conducting routine facility inspections, quarterly visual assessments, and benchmark monitoring, and failing to maintain an adequate Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Since erosion leads to sediment and other pollutants entering Waters of the United States, the EPA estimates that this action has helped reduce 5,505 lb of total suspended solids (TSS) and 144 lb of iron from discharging off-site and reaching Clearwater River. This will also prevent pollutant loadings of approximately 2,994 lb of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 352 lb of biological oxygen demand (BOD5) in the River. The Respondent has agreed to pay a penalty of $74,250 and has returned to compliance. The estimated cost of injunctive relief is $10,000.

Defendants (1)

• PACIFIC STEEL AND RECYCLING LEWISTONNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• PACIFIC STEEL AND RECYCLING

  604 12TH STREET NORTH, LEWISTON, ID, 59404

  Registry ID: 110067021975

Statutes cited

• CWA 301/402 — NPDES Permit Violations

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• PACIFIC STEEL AND RECYCLING - APO (CWA NPDES)entered 2025-09-26

  Primary law: CWA

  Federal penalty: $74,250

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2025-07-16Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-09-26Final Order Issued
• 2025-09-26Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2025-10-16NPDES Closed
• 2025-10-16Enforcement Action Closed