STATE OF INDIANA

COUNTY OF MARION

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BEFORE THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

 

COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT,

Complainant,

v.

Key plastics l.l.c,

Respondent.

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Case No. 2007-17056-H




 

 

AGREED ORDER

 

Complainant and Respondent desire to settle and compromise this action without hearing or adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and consent to the entry of the following Findings of Fact and Order.

 

I.  FINDINGS OF FACT

 

1.                  Complainant is the Commissioner (“Complainant”) of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (“IDEM”), a department of the State of Indiana created by Indiana Code (“IC”) 13-13-1-1.

 

2.                  Respondent is Key Plastics L.L.C. (“Respondent”), which owns and operates the company with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ID No. IN0000038059, located at 1615 West McDonald Street, in Hartford City, Blackford County, Indiana (“Site”).

 

3.                  IDEM has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

 

4.                  Pursuant to IC 13-30-3-3, IDEM issued a Notice of Violation via Certified Mail to:

 

Jessica Reiss,

National Registered Agents Inc.

Environmental, Health and Safety Manager

320 North Meridian Street

Key Plastics L.L.C.

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204

1615 West McDonald Street

 

Hartford City, Indiana 47348

 

 

5.                  Respondent notified EPA of Large Quantity Generator activities on October 28, 1993.

 

6.                  Respondent is a manufacturer of automotive parts, including door jambs and air bag covers. Respondent conducts plastic injection molding, painting and assembly at the Site.

 

7.                  329 IAC 3.1 incorporates certain Federal hazardous waste management requirements found in 40 CFR Parts 260 through Part 270 and Part 273, including those identified below.

 

8.                  During an investigation, including an inspection on June 18, 2007, conducted by a representative of IDEM, the following violations were found:

 

a.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.11, a person who generates a solid waste must determine if that waste is hazardous.  Respondent did not make hazardous waste determinations on twenty-eight (28) 55-gallon containers stored in the outside accumulation area which contained solid wastes generated by Respondent.

 

Respondent submitted hazardous waste determinations to IDEM for the twenty-eight (28) 55-gallon containers stored in the outside accumulation area on September 7, 2007.

 

b.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(b), a generator who accumulates hazardous waste for more than 90 days is an operator of a storage facility and is subject to the requirements of 40 CFR Part 264 and the permit requirements of 40 CFR Part 270.  Respondent stored eight (8) 55-gallon containers of paint solids hazardous waste on-site for greater than 90 days without complying with 40 CFR Part 264 and 40 CFR Part 270.

 

Respondent removed the eight (8) 55-gallon containers of paint solids hazardous waste from the Site on June 28, 2007.

 

c.         Pursuant to IC 13-30-2-1(10), a person may not commence or engage in the operation of a hazardous waste facility without having first obtained a permit from the department.  Respondent operated a hazardous waste facility without having first obtained a permit from the department.

 

d.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(a)(2), a generator may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 90 days or less without a permit, provided that the date when the accumulation begins is clearly marked and visible for inspection on each container.  Respondent accumulated hazardous waste on-site, without a permit, and did not mark one (1) container of paint solids hazardous waste in the outside storage area, twenty-eight (28) 55-gallon containers of unknown hazardous waste in the outside storage area and two (2) 55-gallon containers of liquid hazardous waste in the Paint Product Storage Room with accumulation start dates.

 

Respondent submitted documentation to IDEM on September 7, 2007 to show that containers were labeled with the accumulation start dates after the inspection was completed.

 

e.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(a)(3), a generator may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for 90 days or less without a permit, provided that containers are labeled or marked clearly with the words “Hazardous Waste.”  Respondent accumulated hazardous waste on-site, without a permit, and did not label or clearly mark hazardous waste containers in the outside storage area with the words “Hazardous Waste.”

 

Respondent submitted documentation to IDEM on September 7, 2007 to show that containers were labeled with the words “Hazardous Waste” after the inspection was completed.

 

f.          Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.35, a generator must maintain adequate aisle space to allow the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection, spill control, and decontamination equipment.  Respondent failed to provide the required aisle space in the inside and outside hazardous waste accumulation areas.

 

Respondent submitted documentation to IDEM on September 7, 2007 to show that the inside hazardous waste storage area had been redesigned to maintain adequate aisle space.

 

g.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(c)(1)(ii), a generator may accumulate as much as 55 gallons of hazardous waste in containers at or near the point of generation without a permit and without complying with 40 CFR 262.34(a), provided that the containers are marked with either the words "Hazardous Waste" or with other words describing the contents.  Respondent accumulated hazardous waste in five (5) containers at or near the point of generation, painting operations, without a permit and did not properly mark satellite accumulation containers with either the words “Hazardous Waste” or with other words describing the contents.

 

Respondent submitted documentation of properly labeled containers to IDEM on September 7, 2007.

 

h.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.54, a facility’s contingency plan must be amended whenever applicable regulations are revised; the plan fails in an emergency; the facility changes its design, construction, or operation; or the list of emergency coordinators or emergency equipment changes.  Respondent failed to amend the contingency plan to reflect an updated list of emergency coordinators.  Two of the coordinators listed in the contingency plan are no longer at the site.

 

Respondent submitted an amended Contingency Plan with the updated list of emergency coordinators to IDEM on September 7, 2007.

 

i.          Pursuant to 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.16, training records must include the job title for each position at the facility related to hazardous waste management and the name of the employee filling each job. Respondent's training records did not include the job descriptions of personnel handing hazardous waste and the job title or job description for the facility environmental coordinator.

 

Respondent submitted job descriptions of personnel handing hazardous waste and the job description for the facility environmental coordinator to IDEM on September 7, 2007.

 

j.          Pursuant to IC 13-30-2-1(1), no person shall discharge, emit, cause, allow, or threaten to discharge, emit, cause, or allow any contaminant or waste, including any noxious odor, either alone or in combination with contaminants from other sources, into the environment in violation of 329 IAC 10-4-2 and 329 IAC 10-4-3.  Respondent allowed liquid from paint sludge to be discharged to the ground while it was being conveyed to the roll-off container.

 

k.        Pursuant to 329 IAC 10-4-2, no person shall cause or allow the storage, containment, processing, or disposal of solid waste in a manner which creates a threat to human health or the environment, including the creating of a fire hazard, vector attraction, air or water pollution, or other contamination.  Respondent caused and/or allowed paint sludge to be disposed at the Site in a manner which creates a threat to human health or the environment.

 

l.          Pursuant to 329 IAC 10-4-3, open dumping and open dumps, as those terms are defined in IC 13-11-2-146 and IC 13-11-2-147, are prohibited.  Respondent caused and/or allowed paint sludge to be open dumped at the Site.

 

m.        Pursuant to 40 CFR 273.14 (e) and 329 IAC 3.1-16-2(a)(4), each lamp or container or package in which lamps are contained must be labeled or marked clearly with the phrase “Universal Waste Lamps” or “Used Lamps” or with other words that accurately identify the universal waste lamps.  Respondent stored an unlabeled container of universal waste fluorescent lamps on-site.

 

Respondent submitted documentation to IDEM on September 7, 2007 that the container of universal waste fluorescent lamps was labeled after the inspection was completed.

 

n.         Pursuant to 40 CFR 273.13(d)(1), universal waste handlers must contain any lamp in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps.  Such containers must remain closed and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.  Respondent stored an open container of universal waste fluorescent lamps on-site.

 

Respondent submitted documentation to IDEM on September 7, 2007 that the container of universal waste fluorescent lamps was closed after the inspection was completed.

 

9.         In recognition of the settlement reached, Respondent waives any right to administrative and judicial review of this Agreed Order.

 

II.  ORDER

 

1.                  This Agreed Order shall be effective (“Effective Date”) when it is approved by Complainant or Complainant’s delegate, and has been received by Respondent.  This Agreed Order shall have no force or effect until the Effective Date.

 

2.                  Respondent shall comply with statutes and rules listed in the findings here and above at issue.

 

3.                  Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(b) and IC 13-30-2-1(10).  Specifically, Respondent shall not store hazardous waste without a Permit.

 

4.                  Responded shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(a)(2).  Specifically, Respondent shall mark containers of hazardous waste with the accumulation start date.

 

5.                  Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(a)(3).  Specifically, Respondent shall label or mark containers of hazardous waste with the words “Hazardous Waste”.

 

6.                  Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.35.  Specifically, Respondent shall maintain adequate aisle space to allow the unobstructed movement of personnel, fire protection, spill control, and decontamination equipment in the outside hazardous waste accumulation area.

 

7.         Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.3(c)(1)(ii).  Specifically, Respondent shall mark satellite accumulation containers with the words “Hazardous Waste” or with other words to describe the contents.

 

8.         Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.54.  Specifically, Respondent shall amend the facility’s contingency plan whenever applicable regulations are revised; the plan fails in an emergency; the facility changes its design, construction, or operation; or the list of emergency coordinators or emergency equipment changes.

 

9.         Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 262.34(a)(4) referencing 40 CFR 265.16.  Specifically, Respondent shall ensure that training records include the job title for each position at the facility related to hazardous waste management and the name of the employee filling each job.

 

10.       Respondent shall comply with IC 13-30-2-1(1).  Specifically, Respondent shall cease allowing paint sludge to be discharged to the ground while it is being conveyed to or from the roll-off container.

 

11.       Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 273.14(e) and 329 IAC 3.1-16-2(a)(4).  Specifically, Respondent shall label or mark clearly all containers of universal waste lamps with the words “Universal Waste Lamps” or “Used Lamps’ or with other words that accurately identify universal waste lamps.

 

12.       Respondent shall comply with 40 CFR 273.13(d)(1).  Specifically, Respondent shall contain any lamps in containers or packages that are structurally sound, adequate to prevent breakage, and compatible with the contents of the lamps.  Such containers must remain closed and must lack evidence of leakage, spillage or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.

 

13.       All submittals required by this Agreed Order, unless Respondent is notified otherwise in writing by IDEM, shall be sent to:

 

Kris Mangold, Enforcement Case Manager

Office of Enforcement – Mail Code 60-02

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 North Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

 

14.       Respondent is assessed a civil penalty of Twenty Six Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($26,250).  Said penalty amount shall be due and payable to the Environmental Management Special Fund within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date.  In the event that the civil penalty is not paid within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date, Respondent shall pay interest on the unpaid balance at the rate established by IC 24-4.6-1-101.  The interest shall continue to accrue until the civil penalty is paid in full.

 

15.       Civil penalties are payable by check to the “Environmental Management Special Fund.”  Checks shall include the Case Number of this action and shall be mailed to:

 

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

Cashier – Mail Code 50-10C

100 North Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

 

16.       This Agreed Order shall apply to and be binding upon Respondent and its successors and assigns.  Respondent’s signatories to this Agreed Order certify that they are fully authorized to execute this Agreed Order and legally bind the party they represent.  No change in ownership, corporate, or partnership status of Respondent shall in any way alter its status or responsibilities under this Agreed Order.

 

17.       In the event that any terms of this Agreed Order are found to be invalid, the remaining terms shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed and enforced as if this Agreed Order did not contain the invalid terms.

 

18.       Respondent shall provide a copy of this Agreed Order, if in force, to any subsequent owners or successors before ownership rights are transferred.  Respondent shall ensure that all contractors, firms and other persons performing work under this Agreed Order comply with the terms of this Agreed Order.

 

19.       This Agreed Order is not and shall not be interpreted to be a permit or a modification of an existing permit.  This Agreed Order, and IDEM’s review or approval of any submittal made by Respondent pursuant to this Agreed Order, shall not in any way relieve Respondent of its obligation to comply with the requirements of its applicable permits or any applicable Federal or State law or regulation.

 

20.             Complainant does not, by its approval of this Agreed Order, warrant or aver in any manner that Respondent’s compliance with any aspect of this Agreed Order will result in compliance with the provisions of any permit, order, or any applicable Federal or State law or regulation.  Additionally, IDEM, or anyone acting on its behalf, shall not be held liable for any costs or penalties Respondent may incur as a result of Respondent’s efforts to comply with this Agreed Order.

 

21.       Nothing in this Agreed Order shall prevent or limit IDEM’s rights to obtain penalties or injunctive relief under any applicable Federal or State law or regulation, except that IDEM may not, and hereby waives its right to, seek additional civil penalties for the same violations specified in the NOV.

 

22.       Nothing in this Agreed Order shall prevent IDEM, or anyone acting on its behalf, from communicating with the EPA or any other agency or entity about any matters relating to this enforcement action.  IDEM or anyone acting on its behalf shall not be held liable for any costs or penalties Respondent may incur as a result of such communications with the EPA or any other agency or entity.

 

23.       This Agreed Order shall remain in effect until IDEM issues a Resolution of Case letter to Respondent.

 

 

TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATION:

 

RESPONDENT:

Department of Environmental Management

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

Nancy Johnston, Section Chief

 

Printed:

 

 

Office of Enforcement

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COUNSEL FOR COMPLAINANT:

 

COUNSEL FOR RESPONDENT:

For the Department of Environmental Management

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deputy Attorney General

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT THIS

 

DAY OF

 

, 2007.

 

 

For the Commissioner:

 

 

 

Signed on December 19, 2007

 

Robert B. Keene

 

Assistant Commissioner

 

Office of Legal Counsel and Enforcement