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EPA CITES FOUR D.C. AUTO SALVAGE YARDS FOR STORM WATER VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 7/8/1999
Contact Information: Donna M. Heron (215) 814-5113

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In an effort to protect the Anacostia and Potomac watershed from polluted storm water runoff, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has cited four auto salvage yards for violating the Clean Water Act.

The action against the salvage yards -- all located in northeastern Washington, D.C. -- alleges they allowed polluted storm water to discharge into the D.C. storm sewer system which, in turn, drains into Hickey Run, a tributary of the Anacostia River.

In the separate administrative complaints, EPA seeks a $15,000 penalty against Garcia Used Auto Parts, a $12,000 penalty against Kenilworth Used Auto Parts, $10,000 against West Virginia Avenue Used Auto Parts, and $8,000 against A and R Auto Parts.

AThe Anacostia is one of the two rivers that frame our nation’s capitol. Polluted storm water is a major source of the pollution found in the Anacostia, a resource that is used for recreation by residents of the District and is a principle tributary to the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay@ said W. Michael McCabe, regional administrator for the mid-Atlantic region. AToday’s action should send out a clear message that the Clean Water Act’s storm water rules are vigorously enforced.@

According to the complaints, EPA inspections, conducted in February 1999, revealed that the Garcia and Kenilworth facilities did not have a required Clean Water Act storm water discharge permit, and the West Virginia Avenue and A and R facilities did not implement a storm water pollution prevention plan as required in their permit applications. EPA has ordered all four companies to correct these violations promptly.

The complaints announced today are evidence of EPA’s increased emphasis on the enforcement of storm water rules, McCabe said. This enforcement initiative has focused recently on auto salvage facilities, but will expand to include other industrial sectors throughout the mid-Atlantic states, he added.

The District of Columbia was a partner in EPA’s investigation of the cases announced today. EPA is also working with the D.C. government to ensure that industrial and federal facilities near the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers have adequate STORM WATER management plans as part of their Clean Water Act permits.

Urban storm water runoff, collected by storm drains and discharged into rivers and streams, often contains pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding compounds. Under the Clean Water Act, owners of industrial or construction operations involving at least five acres must obtain a Clean Water Act permit before discharging storm water runoff into waterways. These permits must contain a storm water pollution prevention plan, which includes pollution-reducing management practices such as oil spill prevention, storage of waste fluids in proper containers sheltered from rainfall, and employee training in how to comply with environmental requirements.

EPA issued its STORM WATER permit regulations in 1990. Since 1992, industrial facilities have been able to apply for coverage under a Ageneral@ STORM WATER permit, which includes storm water pollution prevention plan requirements, discharge limitations, and monitoring requirements.

The parties cited in these complaints have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.