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http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110621/ARTICLE/110629906
North Port must pay EPA $11,000 in fines
By John Davis
Published: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:28 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:28 p.m.
NORTH PORT - A one-hour delay is costing North Port more than $11,000 in fines from federal regulators for failing to alert them of a bleach spill last year.
In September, a broken coupling at a booster station in the western section of North Port spewed 1,200 gallons of sodium hypochlorite used in water purification. The spill was contained in a nearby retention pond that, according to regulators, did not harm animals or plant life. North Port Utilities contacted state and county officials within two hours, well within the state guideline of a 24-hour notification period.
What the city did not know was that chlorine-based substances are closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA requires notification of its National Response Center within 15 minutes for any spill over 200 gallons.
North Port had missed the deadline by an hour on a spill that was 1,000 gallons over the limit.
"To get fined for it was a little disheartening, but we understood," said Cindi Mick, North Port Utilities director. She said North Port was prompt in its response to the spill and contained it without damage.
"After careful consideration of the information discussed in the show cause meeting, EPA calculated a base penalty of $17,710," said a letter to North Port outlining the violation. "EPA reduced this to $11,505 (35% reduction) based on the City of North Port's attitude and cooperation."
"We accepted responsibility," Mick said.
North Port received final word that the settlement was approved June 6, and the commission is expected to officially approve payment at its next meeting.
"They have strict requirements and we understand it," Mick said
http://www.yoursun.com/sunnews/northport/2588621-290/sunnewspapersepafinescity11505.html.csp
These guys spilled "bleach" and only got the fine for not reporting in a timely matter.
North Port must pay EPA $11,000 in fines
By John Davis
Published: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:28 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 1:28 p.m.
NORTH PORT - A one-hour delay is costing North Port more than $11,000 in fines from federal regulators for failing to alert them of a bleach spill last year.
In September, a broken coupling at a booster station in the western section of North Port spewed 1,200 gallons of sodium hypochlorite used in water purification. The spill was contained in a nearby retention pond that, according to regulators, did not harm animals or plant life. North Port Utilities contacted state and county officials within two hours, well within the state guideline of a 24-hour notification period.
What the city did not know was that chlorine-based substances are closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA requires notification of its National Response Center within 15 minutes for any spill over 200 gallons.
North Port had missed the deadline by an hour on a spill that was 1,000 gallons over the limit.
"To get fined for it was a little disheartening, but we understood," said Cindi Mick, North Port Utilities director. She said North Port was prompt in its response to the spill and contained it without damage.
"After careful consideration of the information discussed in the show cause meeting, EPA calculated a base penalty of $17,710," said a letter to North Port outlining the violation. "EPA reduced this to $11,505 (35% reduction) based on the City of North Port's attitude and cooperation."
"We accepted responsibility," Mick said.
North Port received final word that the settlement was approved June 6, and the commission is expected to officially approve payment at its next meeting.
"They have strict requirements and we understand it," Mick said
http://www.yoursun.com/sunnews/northport/2588621-290/sunnewspapersepafinescity11505.html.csp
These guys spilled "bleach" and only got the fine for not reporting in a timely matter.