Environmental enforcement roundup: EPA fines Ecolab, Radius Recycling, and Eakas
In its continued efforts to enforce environmental regulations and protect public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a series of settlements with four companies across the Midwest. These actions address violations ranging from excess air pollution and chemical reporting failures to inadequate safety protocols and emissions control. Each settlement includes financial penalties and corrective measures aimed at improving environmental compliance and reducing harmful emissions.
Ecolab Inc. (Joliet, Illinois)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Ecolab Inc. for alleged violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) at its facility in Joliet, Illinois. Ecolab will pay a $423,308.60 civil penalty and has addressed the compliance issues. Violations included failing to obtain proper permits, inadequate hazardous waste storage, and lack of required documentation and planning. The company has since certified that it is back in compliance with RCRA regulations. RCRA governs the proper handling of solid and hazardous waste to protect public health and the environment.
In a recent quote, EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel said, "The first pillar of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative is clean air, land and water for every American. EPA is devoted to protecting communities like Joliet from the threats posed by improper and unregulated hazardous waste storage."
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Radius Recycling Inc. (Oakland, California)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Administrative Order on Consent to Radius Recycling Inc. for Clean Water Act violations at its Oakland, California facility. The company discharged pollutants, including zinc, copper, and toxic wastewater, into the Oakland Inner Harbor and San Francisco Bay, exceeding limits set by its federal permit. In response, Radius will install a granular activated carbon treatment system and implement a Water Pollution Prevention Plan to enhance site inspections and maintenance. These actions aim to protect the Bay, a vital resource for 7.5 million residents, from harmful metal contamination. The order follows a January 2025 agreement between EPA, CalEPA, community groups, and Radius to collaboratively address local health and environmental concerns.
In a recent quote, EPA Pacific Southwest Region Director for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Amy Miller said, "This order requires Radius Recycling to improve the quality of water discharges leaving the facility, which will help reduce the flow of pollutants into San Francisco Bay. In addition, this agreement will improve the general cleanliness of the site and address local community health and safety concerns.”
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Eakas Corp. (Peru, Illinois)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Eakas Corp. for alleged Clean Air Act violations at its manufacturing facility in Peru, Illinois. The company, which produces plastic and metal automotive parts, will pay a $520,200 penalty. EPA alleges that Eakas exceeded volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limits from its paint lines and failed to meet recordkeeping requirements. As part of the settlement, Eakas will install a new VOC control device and repair an existing one to reduce harmful emissions. VOCs contribute to ground-level ozone, which can negatively impact respiratory health and aggravate conditions such as asthma.
In a recent quote, EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel said, "Today’s settlement is consistent with EPA’s first pillar: Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American through the reduction of hazardous air pollution. The settlement will also resolve years of violations and will ensure the company implements monitoring and repair best practices."
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