U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
September 2002
I 53K
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness & Prevention
Dear Readers:
Plans are moving along well for this year's conference, and I hope many of our
¦ readers will be able to join us in Baltimore again. I think it would be easier if we
didn't put so much pressure on ourselves to make it better every time. But, what can
I say, that's all we know how to do. Our Host Committee, the greater Baltimore
LEPCs, are planning some outstanding social and networking events, and I appreci-
ate their once again agreeing to volunteer their time to host this event. I want to
especially thank Jerry Heston, Dennis Carney and Abe Ferdas, the leaders of our
Hazardous Site Cleanup Division, for their continued support and commitment to
this conference. They recognized the need after 9/11 and last year's highly success-
ful conference to return the conference to an annual event.
I also want to again thank all of you who have taken the time to send us your
feedback on the LEPC video. You'll read later in this issue a summary of this feed-
back which we will use in planning future efforts to provide you with useful
resources.
Unfortunately, 1 need to apologize to the venerable Aunt SARA III, the world's
oldest living emergency manager, for inaccurately (albeit somewhat optimistically)
reporting her demise in our last issue. To everyone's shock and amazement, she
surfaced recently at EPA Headquarters before dropping out of sight once again.
Claimed she was on a deep cover assignment but would be in touch soon.
Alan Brown
U.S. EPA, Region 111
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator
In This Issue...
One Team...One Goal 1
Counter- Terrorism Response 2
Resources 3
In Memorium 4
2002 Conference Information .. .5-8
Enforcement Actions 9
Compliance Audits 10
Training & Internet Resources 11
Sign up for our Mailing List 12
One Team...One Goal
We are very excited about this year's EPA
Region ill Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Conference. Now more than ever we
need to come together, learn together, and work
together.
Following last year's highly successful
format, we'll open on Sunday with pre-
conference training sessions. DuPont will once
again be presenting its Street Smart Chemistry
program which received rave reviews from those
who had the opportunity to attend last year.
Also on Sunday, we're offering Hazmat
Awareness and Operations Level training plus
hands-on training for CAMEO, ALOHA, and
MARPLOT. The conference will officially open with a
general session on Monday afternoon followed by a
spectacular reception in the exhibit hall. More than 100
workshops are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Thursday, we'll have a general session in the
morning and close with our awards luncheon and
speaker.
Hopefully, you've already received our Advance
Brochure. If not, you'll find more details inside starting
on page 6. Or check out the Web Site at
www.2002conference.org or call the Conference Hotline
at 800-364-7974.
Whether you're a potential attendee, exhibitor, or
sponsor-don't be left on the bench-join the team and
help us achieve the goal of keeping America prepared!
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
-------
COUNTER-TERRORISM RESPONSE
Following the Mail Trail
Dennis Carney, Chief of EPA
Region Ill's Removal Branch, recently
addressed colleagues, academia,
and the general public gathered at
the University of Pennsylvania on
EPA's cleanup of anthrax
contamination in Washington, D.C.
During his lecture, "Cleaning
Anthrax on Capitol Hill - A Search for
Zero Spores," Dennis navigated his
audience through an informative
timeline of events and explained the
efforts of EPA staff as they followed
"the mail trail" of possible anthrax
contamination of congressional office
buildings on Capital Hill. Dennis
addressed how contaminated items
were cleaned, what decontamination
substances were most effective, and
the importance of a unified
undertaking between state, Federal,
and local agencies to contend with
the contamination.
Carney addresses questions of audience
members
Dennis concluded his lecture with
recommendations of better ways to
handle future threats. He noted that a
more realistic plan of action must be
developed to avoid complications that
temporarily stymied efforts on Capital
Hill. Carney also discussed how the
limited number of trained responders
led to long hours for work crews
assigned to treat the contaminated
buildings.
Dennis will be conducting an
in-depth workshop on EPA's
anthrax cleanup projects at the
EPA Conference in Baltimore in
December.
EPA and Terrorism
Response
Walter S. Graham
U.S. EPA
Al Brown asked that I introduce
myself and contribute a column on
a regular basis discussing the
evolving role of EPA in the
counterterrorism and weapons of
mass destruction field.
As you know by now, EPA was
among the first agencies
responding to the Pentagon and to
the World Trade Center on
September 11. Later EPA played
the lead role in devising and
implementing new technologies and
methods to decontaminate the Hart
and other building in the Capitol.
While many agencies were involved
in response efforts, it is EPA that
has stayed on at these sites,
protecting the workers, the public
and ultimately the environment.
When letters containing anthrax
killed five people and contaminated
the Congressional offices, our
senior management said they
expected a scene similar to the
movie "E.T." where vans full of
white moon-suited scientists arrive,
seal off the area, and
decontaminate it with secret
equipment. The truth was that
there were no vans full of secret
teams and equipment, and in the
end, EPA, using 30 years of
response experience gained under
the National Response System,
implemented a successful clean up
program. We now are seen by
many as the country's de facto
leader in decontamination of
biowarfare agents (at least
anthrax).
The Office of Homeland Security
has taken note of this and recently
let us know that they see no other
agency-military or civilian-with the
capability to do large-scale
decontamination missions, and they
would like us to take the lead in this
area. EPA will have to design a
program to recruit, equip and train
a cadre of experts to provide
technical advice and assistance to
the Incident Commander and the
EPA On-Scene Coordinator in the
field. While no details are available,
having a team of specialists in
safety, microbiology, toxicology,
health physics, mechanical
engineering, etc. who have studied
and trained with other Federal, state
and local agencies will be invaluable
in focusing and expediting cleanups
of any biological, chemical or
radiological contamination, whether
in a building, a ship, a mall or out in
the street. More information to
follow as details develop.
To assist the Regions, EPA has
received a supplemental
authorization to hire additional
response personnel to help with the
increase in workload and to focus
on the CT/WMD areas. We have
already hired two senior OSCs and
should have two more hired soon. I
have been assigned as a planner for
the division, completing the five
positions we have been given. I
have been with EPA since 1975 and
in the Superfund program since
1982. In another position, I helped
prepare and conduct training
exercises for active duty DoD units
in all hazard responses-including
CTA/VMD. It was clear that the key
to much of the value they received
was related to the level of
involvement of the state and more
important, the local agencies. I
believe that there is little more
important than that face-to-face
meeting so that when an emergency
arises, we recognize the name and
place the face, making it that much
easier to help a partner.
As a final word, I encourage
everyone to try to make it to the
incredibly successful Emergency
Preparedness and Prevention
Conference in Baltimore this
December. There are a lot of
conferences out there, particularly
since 9/11, and many are darn near
worthless-but this one has been
outstanding each time. Hope to see
many of you there.
Walt can be reached by e-mail at
graham, walter@epa.gov.
2
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
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RESOURCES
LEPC Video Update
Wanted to keep everyone
updated on our LEPC Video
release.
As mentioned in our last
newsletter, we have produced a
limited number of a higher
quality version for use by cable
television. We have distributed
copies to LEPCs that requested
copies for the media and to
many cable stations within
Region III.
We continue to fill requests
for copies of the VHS version
from LEPCs across the country.
If you requested a copy and are
not associated with an LEPC,
we will try to accommodate your
request after we have supplied
copies to all the LEPCs.
Emergency
Planning
Committees
/oV,
O? \
-------
In Memorium
Jim Makris
It is with deep sorrow that
we report that Jim Makris,
former director of EPA's
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness and
Prevention Office in
Washington, D.C., died on
August 16 at the Virginia
Medical Center in Arlington,
Virginia, from head injuries
sustained during a fall at his
home. Jim was 67 and had
retired from EPA only a
month earlier after 35 years
of service with the Federal
government.
As many of you will recall,
Jim was our keynote
luncheon speaker at the
2001 Conference in
Baltimore and was an
inspiring and motivational
leader in the emergency
preparedness field.
As CEPPO Director, Jim
oversaw the development and
implementation of all chemical
accident preparedness and
prevention programs.
Beginning with the voluntary
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness Program in
1985, extending to the
Emergency Planning and
Community Right to Know
regulations in 1986, and
culminating into the Risk
Management Program under
the Clean Air Act, he led an
effort to reduce the likelihood
and severity of chemical
accidents and reduce
environmental risks.
Jim held several emergency
response related leadership
positions within EPA, including
serving as EPA's Emergency
Coordinator and Chairman of
the National Incident
Coordination team, a multi-
office team that coordinated
EPA's activities during national
and international
environmental incidents. For
10 years, he chaired the
National Response Team.
In the international arena,
Jim coordinated all joint
prevention and preparedness
efforts with Mexico and
Canada and co-chaired the
US/Mexico and US/Canada
Joint Response Teams. In
addition, he was instrumental
in ensuring coordinated, non
duplicative efforts worldwide
in the areas of chemical
emergency prevention and
preparedness through his
constant and concerted
efforts with the European
Community and International
organizations, such as the
Organization for Economic
Cooperation and
Development, the United
Nations Environmental
Program, and the United
Nations Economic
Commission for Europe.
A graduate of the
University of New Hampshire,
where he studied business,
and George Washington
University, where he earned a
law degree, Jim spent much
of his professional life in
emergency management. He
held management positions in
the Office of Emergency
Preparedness, the
Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the
Federal Disaster Assistance
Administration, and the
Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
-------
EPA REGION III 2002 CONFERENCE
One Team...One Goal
Team - two or more players
on the same side in a game
or a group working together.
Goal - a purpose or objective; the
finish line of a race.
Our purpose and objective have never been more important.
It is vital that we come together, leam together, and work together.
As a team, we will reach the goal.
The Game Plan
We're returning to Baltimore for a repeat of last year's
winning double header—a great playing field (the Baltimore
Marriott Waterfront) and great hospitality. You'll see some of
last year's veterans repeating several of the outstanding plays
in more than 100 workshops and lectures. Plus, we've added
some new hot shot rookies and first round draft picks to our
lineup who'll share their expertise and experience in all facets
of emergency planning and response. Don't miss the pre-
game show where you'll have the opportunity to sharpen your
skills through a number of pre-conference training programs.
All for the lowest ticket price you'll find for a game in this
league—only $175.
Ticket Price
Admission to the conference is $ 175 and includes:
~ Pre-conference training camp on Sunday and
Monday (pre-registration is required and limited
seating is available; seats will be assigned on a
first-come, first-served basis)
~ An opening reception in the exhibit hall on Monday
evening
~ Admission to the exhibit hall
~ Admission to all workshops, general sessions, and
lectures
~ A closing luncheon with keynote speaker on
Thursday.
Sunday, December 8
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Registration Desk Open
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pre-Conference Trainin^*^
Sessions |pr<- regBjatio^^^iirtril
8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
10 a.m. - noon
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday, December 9
Registration Desk Open ^
Pre-Conference Training Sessions.
Exhibitor Move-In
SERC Roundtable
Opening General Session
Reception in Exhibit Hall
Wednesday, Decembei
7:2
7:30,
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
I p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Exhibit Hall Open
General Session
Workshops
Workshops
Exhibitor Move Out
Tliesday, December 10
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration Desk Open
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Workshops
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. General Session
I p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Workshops
Thursday, December 12
7:30 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. Registration Desk Open
8:30 a.m. -11:15 a.m. General Session
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Closing Luncheon/Awards Program
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
5
-------
Pre-Conference Training Camp
Warm up for the big game. Take
advantage of one of the pre-conference
training sessions
Advance Registration is Required
as Limited Seating is Available
Certificates Will be Awarded Upon
Completion of a Training Program
Please Note Times and Dates
for Each Program Vary
Hazmat Awareness Level Course
This course is designed to comply with OSHA
awareness level requirements and is particularly
appropriate for hospital personnel The course
provides an understanding of what hazardous
substances are and the associated personal safety risks,
an ability to recognize and identify the presence of
hazardous substances, an explanation of the roles,
responsibilities and limitations of first responders in
hazardous material incidents, and the appropriate steps
to take before, during and after a hazardous material
incident. Scene management and notification will also be
covered. Course attendees also will become familiar with
the U.S. Department of Transportation's Emergency
Response Guidebook.
Class Schedule:
Sunday, December 8 8:00 a.m. - noon
Hazmat Operations Level Course
Prerequisite: Certification at the Awareness Level
This course is designed to comply with OSHA
operations level requirements and is also particularly
appropriate for hospital personnel. Attendees will
learn defensive measures a responder can take to
prevent further damage or injury which can be caused by
hazardous materials. Concepts introduced in this class
include personal protective equipment, decontamination
procedures, and work zones. Included in the class will
be a module on chemical and biological agents,
recognizing signs and symptoms of exposure, and
treating exposed patients.
Class Schedule:
Sunday, December 8 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m
Street Smart Chemistry -Presented
by DuPont
This 2-1/2 day training program is designed
specifically for the Hazardous Materials Responder to
increase their knowledge of the chemistry of hazardous
materials. Course content is presented in easily
understandable terms and the focus is on areas of
particular concern to the responder.
This dynamic training program will cover the
following concepts:
atoms, elements and the periodic table
+
forms and changes of matter
+
formulas and bonding of inorganic molecules
+
inorganic chemical formulas and
nomenclature
+
chemistry of the elements
+
corrosive materials
+
oxidizing agents
water and air reactive materials
+
organic chemistry
waste streams
toxicity
+
air monitoring
+
chemistry of fire
+
pesticides
+
DOT chemistry
Class schedule:
Sunday, December 8 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Getting Started with CAMEO, ALOHA,
and MARPLOT
For new or infrequent users, this hands-on class will
provide a broad overview of the data and functions in
the new version of CAMEO-CAMEOfm. You'll learn
how to search the chemical database, store and
retrieve EPCRA data, and produce simple reports. Plus
learn the basic steps in operating ALOHA and the
inputs required to run this program. The class will also
cover basic MARPLOT functions and capabilities.
Class Schedule:
Sunday, December 8 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 9 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Note: All computer training classes will be held at the
Marriott Courtyard. For experienced Cameo users, a
number of workshops are planned for Tuesday and
Wednesday; no advance registration will be required for
these workshops.
6
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
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www.2002conference.org
Hotel Reservations
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront (all conference
events and workshops, except for CAMEO® training,
will be at the Marriott Waterfront)
The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel is located
at 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, Maryland. All
rooms have a view of Baltimore's exciting Inner
Harbor, with many attractions and restaurants within
walking distance. Public transportation is readily
available so you won't need a car.
Conference rate rooms are available at $145 and
government rate rooms are $137 plus tax.
(Government per diem for Baltimore increased
effective 5/15/02 from $110 to $137.) You will be
required to show government ID at check-in to obtain
the government rate.
For reservations, call (410) 385-3000 or (800)
228-9290 and tell them you are attending the EPA
Conference. Or, register online at
www.marriott.com/bwiwf and use group code
"CHMCHMA" for conference rate rooms and group
code "ENVENVA" for government rate rooms.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Inner Harbor
(CAMEO® training will be held at the Courtyard)
The Courtyard by Marriott Downtown/Inner Harbor
is located at 1000 Aliceanna Street in Baltimore, a
short walk from the Marriott Waterfront.
Rooms at the Courtyard are $137 plus tax for single
occupancy and $147 for double occupancy. For
reservations, call (443) 923-4000 or (800) 321-2211.
Tell them you are attending the EPA Conference and
ask for a reservation out of the Post/List group room
block. Or, register online at www.courtyard.com/bwidt.
The Group Code for a king size bed is EPAEPAA and
the Group Code for two double beds is EPAEPAB.
If you have any problems with hotel
reservations, please call the Conference Hotline at
(800) 364-7974 and we will be glad to assist you.
Be an Exhibitor or Sponsor Player
Make productive use of your exhibition dollars
by participating in this year's exhibition hall or by
joining us as a sponsor.
We consider our exhibitors and sponsors to be
critical members of the team and do our utmost to
ensure you have abundant opportunities to meet with
the decision makers who attend this conference. We
want you to participate in conference activities and
network with our anticipated 1,600 attendees to the full
extent you are able so we include two full registrations
in our exhibit hall fee and four full registrations are
provided to our sponsors. Plus, we'll provide a link to
your Web Site from our Conference Web Site and a
description of your product and service in every
attendee's packet.
SS
EPA Partnership Awards
An exciting and important part of the EPA
Region III Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Conference has always been
recognizing those individuals and organizations
who are making a difference.
Entry is simple and there is only one
qualification. Send a one or two-page description of
an individual or organization that is making a
difference—going beyond what is required by law
or job description and fulfilling the spirit of
preparedness, prevention and response,
particularly with creativity and innovativeness.
Submit your nomination by e-mail to:
awards@2002conference.org or fax it to the
attention of EPA Partnership Awards at 410-676-
2320. Nominations are due by October 18.
Recipients of partnership awards will be
recognized at the 2002 Conference closing
luncheon on Thursday, December 12.
The fee for an 8'x10' booth is $1,500 and a limited number
of sponsorships are available starting at $3,500.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
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Registration Form
Fax this form with credit card information to (410) 676-8545, Attn: Katrina Harris
Mail this form with check for $175 to: 2002 Conference, c/o General Physics Corporation,
500 Edgewood Road, Suite 110, Edgewood, MD, 21040
Make checks payable to 2002 Conference.
Taxpayer Identification Number: 526000769
First Name.
Name for Name Tag (if different)
Last Name ——
Title
Company/Agency
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Country (if outside USA)
Phone ________ Fax
E-mail Address
Payment Methods
~ Check enclosed (made payable to: 2002 Conference)
~ Mastercard ~ VISA ~ American Express
Card Number Expiration Date
Cardholder Name
Billing Street Address
Billing City, State, Zip
Cardholder Signature Date
TRAINING PROGRAMS
(Advance Registration is Required as Limited Seating iis Available)
~
STREET SMART CHEMISTRY
Sunday, December 8
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Class Schedule:
Monday, December 9
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
~
Tuesday, December 10
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
GETTING STARTED WITH CAMEO,
ALOHA and MARPLOT
Sunday, December 8
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Class Schedule:
Monday, December 9
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
~
HAZMAT AWARENESS LEVEL
COURSE
Class Schedule:
Sunday, December 8
8:00 a.m. - noon
~
HAZMAT OPERATIONS LEVEL COURSE
Prerequisite: Certification at the Awareness Level
Class Schedule:
Sunday, December 8
Monday, December 9
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be in writing and sent by mail or fax to: 2002 Conference Committee, c/o General Physics Corporation, 500
Edgewood Road, Edgewood, MD, 21040; fax number 410-676-8545. Cancellations received by October 15 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received
between October 16 and November 30 will be assessed a $50 fee. After November 30, no refunds will be made. Substitutions are permitted. All refunds will be
processed after December 15.
8
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
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ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
Citations and Penalties
Issued to Colleges and
Universities
EPA has cited Delaware
State University in Dover for
inadequate measures to
prevent oil spills from on-
campus petroleum tanks.
The university has a total
storage capacity of 150,000
gallons in above-ground and
underground oil storage
tanks. The university is
located next to Silver Lake,
which feeds into the St.
Jones River, which flows into
the Delaware River. The
proposed penalty for these
alleged violations if $22,181.
Delaware State was also
cited for improperly storing
hazardous waste without a
permit. The proposed
penalty for these alleged
violations is $20,250.
Also cited was the
University of Maryland
Medical System Corp. in
Baltimore for inadequate
measures to prevent oil
spills from petroleum tanks.
The hospital, located on a
university campus, has a
total capacity of 28,000
gallons in above-ground and
underground oil storage
tanks. The facility's storm
water sewers discharge into
the Middle Branch of the
Patuxent River. The
proposed penalty for these
alleged violations is $14,976.
Both institutions may
request a hearing to contest
the alleged violations and
the proposed penalties.
EPA's inspections are part
of a special enforcement
initiative. Since 1999,
following seminars and other
outreach activities, EPA
Region III has been
inspecting colleges and
universities for compliance
with environmental
regulations. EPA has found
that while institutions of
higher education are
generally subject to the
same environmental
regulations affecting other
institutions, they have not
always faced the same
scrutiny from federal and
state regulators. EPA
continues to provide
assistance to colleges and
universities to help them
comply with environmental
regulations, including a
compliance assistance Web Site
(www.epa.gov/clearinghouse).
Prisons and Jails Cited
Following Inspections
EPA issued administrative
complaints and violation
notices to the State of
Delaware, Department of
Correction and the City of
Philadelphia Prison System
for non-compliance with
regulations on hazardous
waste storage, handling and
disposal, oil spill prevention,
and ozone-depleting
chlorofluorocarbons.
EPA seeks total penalties
of $63,676 for alleged
violations at the Philadelphia
Prison Campus and
$96,206 for alleged
violations at the Smyrna
Correctional Facility in
Smyrna, Delaware. EPA
also has ordered both
facilities to comply with
applicable federal and state
environmental regulations.
The legal actions are
part of an ongoing effort at
EPA's mid-Atlantic office to
ensure that prisons and
jails comply with all
applicable environmental
regulations. EPA previously
conducted inspections and
issued complaints against
several prisons in Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
"Prisons often store and
dispose of hazardous
substances, maintain
underground fuel tanks,
operate on-site power
plants and wastewater
treatment plants, and
engage in manufacturing
operations and service
sector activities," said EPA
Deputy Regional
Administrator Thomas
Voltaggio. "Some
correctional institutions
resemble small towns or
cities with the same
environmental concerns.
EPA is committed to
working with state and local
governments to ensure that
pollution problems in prison
don't threaten human health
or the environment, inside
or outside the prison walls."
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
-------
COMPLIANCE AUDITS
EPA Waives $539,653 in
Penalties After Voluntary
Reporting
Six companies in
Pennsylvania and Virginia have
saved $539,653 in penalties by
voluntarily reporting and
correcting their own
environmental violations.
"Companies that voluntarily
report and rectify environmental
violations help protect the
environment, as well as their
bottom line. EPA will continue
to make appropriate penalty
adjustments for companies that
voluntarily police their own
regulatory compliance," said
EPA Regional Administrator
Donald Welsh.
Penalties are being waived
for the following companies:
• Allied Signal, Inc., reported
17 violations of the Toxic
Substances Control Act. The
violations involved the failure
to submit required annual
inventory reports in 1993 for
toxic substances used or
stored at the Smethport and
Emlenton, Pa. facilities of
subsidiary Astor Corporation.
EPA waived a potential
penalty of $289,000.
• Handy & Harman Tube Co.,
Inc., of Norristown, Pa. self-
disclosed violations of the
Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know
Act (EPCRA) - the federal
law designed to protect
public health and the
environment from accidental
releases of hazardous and
toxic chemicals. The
company failed to submit
annual reports of releases of
hydrogen fluoride and nitric
acid releases in 1999, and
disclosed data quality errors
in its reports of releases of
trichloroethylene, nitric acid,
and hydrogen fluoride from
1997 through 1999. Penalty
waiver: $48,122.
• Rocco Poultry Operations,
Inc. reported that its own
environmental compliance
audit discovered that it failed
to submit EPCRA notices for
nitrate compounds released
at its Edinburgh, Va., facility
from 1995 through 1999.
Penalty waiver: $126,621.
• Virginia Gas Pipeline Co.
disclosed violations of
EPCRA rules requiring
companies to notify state
and local emergency
response agencies about
hazardous chemicals stored
at their facilities. VGPC
disclosed a failure to submit
required reports for 1996
through 2000 for ethylene
glycol at its Saltville, Va.
facility. Penalty waiver:
$46,750.
• Virginia Gas Storage Co.
disclosed a failure to notify
state and local emergency
response agencies of
ethylene glycol and
methanol at its Bristol, Va.
facility for 1999 and 2000 as
required under EPCRA
rules. Penalty waiver:
$26,250.
• Colorcon, a division of
Berwind Pharmaceutical
Services Inc., disclosed
Clean Water Act monitoring
violations at its plant in West
Point, Pa. Penalty waiver:
$2,910.
EPA determined that these
companies qualified for penalty
waivers under the agency's
audit policy. The policy
substantially reduces, and often
eliminates, penalties for
violations discovered and
corrected by a company. The
policy does not cover criminal
violations, or violations resulting
in significant harm to public
health or the environment. EPA
will also not waive penalties
covering any economic benefit
created by past violations.
These are among the first six
audit disclosures resolved by
Region III in 2002. During 2001,
18 companies in EPA's mid-
Atlantic region disclosed
environmental violations, and
EPA reduced or waived
$350,900 in penalties under the
audit policy.
EPA's audit policy is posted
at www.epa.gov/oeca/auditpol.html.
For more information on
environmental audits and
compliance assistance, visit
www.epa.gov/reg3ecej.
10
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
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TRAINING AND INTERNET RESOURCES
2002
ii&ihliRCPFR
Whistle Stop Tour
Norfolk Southern is once
again conducting its Transcaer®
Whistle-Stop Tour this fall. The
tour will kick-off October 7 at
Union Station in Washington,
D.C. and make stops in Virginia,
North Carolina, Tennessee, and
conclude in Alabama on October
12. This is a great opportunity
to learn more about preparing
your community for a
transportation hazmat incident.
For the tour schedule and
contact information, visit the Web
Site at www.transcaer.com.
Web Sites to Visit
The Department of Health and Human Services has released new
guidance for protecting ventilation systems in commercial and government
buildings from chemical, biological and radiological attacks. The guidelines
provide recommendations that address the physical security of ventilation
systems, airflow and filtration, systems maintenance, program
administration and maintenance staff training. Details about these new
guidelines are available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhs-ventrel.html.
The American Bar Association's recent newsletter, Natural Resources
& Environment, looks at the events of September 11 and the implications
for environmental law and policies. The newsletter is available online at
www.abanet.org/environ/pubs/nre/specissue.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
11
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