Environmental Enforcement: Two New England Shipyards Settle EPA Claims

Two New England shipyards have agreed to pay penalties to settle claims by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they violated federal environmental laws.

Rose’s Oil Service, a shipyard and fuel oil distributor in Gloucester, Mass., was cited for violations of federal water and oil pollution prevention laws. The company agreed to pay $130,000 to resolve EPA allegations it discharged pressure wash water and storm water without authorization under the Clean Water Act. According to the EPA, Rose’s Oil Service failed to prepare a Facility Response Plan and an adequate Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan in violation of federal oil pollution regulations.

Promet Marine Services, which builds, repairs and retrofits vessels in Providence, R.I., agreed to pay $290,000 to settle EPA claims that it violated federal clean air and clean water laws. According to the agency, Promet’s use of paints exceeded volatile organic compound and hazardous air pollutant limits of the Clean Air Act. Promet violated the Clean Water Act through the unauthorized discharge of contaminated pressure wash water into the Providence River, EPA said.

The company is now using paints that comply with regulatory limits, has applied for required air permits, and has a process water recycling system at its facility to eliminate illegal discharges of copper, lead, zinc and solids in pressure wash water, according to an EPA statement.

Both settlements include a certification by the shipyards that they are now complying with all requirements.