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Jefferson, Md. auto salvage yard settles EPA Clean Water Act complaint

Release Date: 9/10/2002
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Contact:  Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

PHILADELPHIA – Stokes Automotive Parts, Inc. of Jefferson, Md., has agreed to pay a $5,000 penalty as part a settlement with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency for alleged violations of regulations designed to protect America’s waterways from polluted storm water runoff.

Under a consent agreement with EPA, the auto salvage yard will implement required storm water pollution controls and pay the $5,000 penalty for failing to obtain a storm water discharge permit. The facility discharges storm water to a tributary of Catoctin Creek in Frederick County, which ultimately drains into the Potomac River.

The alleged violations were documented in joint inspections by EPA and the Maryland Department of the Environment. The company has obtained a permit, is implementing the required storm water runoff controls, and has cooperated with EPA in resolving this matter. As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the violations.

Storm water runoff from auto salvage yards often contains pollutants such as oil and grease, chemicals, nutrients, and oxygen-demanding compounds. Under the Clean Water Act, any discharge associated with industrial activities, or construction activities disturbing five or more acres of land, requires that owners/operators obtain a permit before discharging storm water into waterways.

Storm water permits require preparation and implementation of a storm water pollution prevention plan, including pollution-reducing management practices such as housekeeping, spill prevention, storage of properly contained waste fluids sheltered from rainfall, and employee training in how to comply with environmental requirements.