EPA Reaches Settlement with S
& W Atlas Iron & Metal of Los Angeles over Stormwater Pollution Claims
Company agrees to series of steps
to comply with Clean Water Act, protect nearby school.
Media Contact: Michael Brogan, 415-295-9314, brogan.michael@epa.gov
SAN FRANCISCO (February 28, 2024) – The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has entered into an Administrative Order
on Consent with S & W Atlas Iron & Metal Co. Inc. over claims of Clean
Water Act violations at its facility in Los Angeles, California. Under the
terms of the agreement, the company will undertake several steps to upgrade
their treatment system and to prevent stormwater pollutants—including
metals—from discharging onto the grounds of Jordan High School and into Compton
Creek, a tributary of the Los Angeles River.
“Tackling the harmful pollution carried in stormwater is a vital part of the
Clean Water Act. This order requires Atlas to improve their stormwater
treatment and eliminate any water pollutant discharge from leaving the site and
reaching Jordan High School,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator
Martha Guzman. “EPA is committed to protecting human health and
the environment by reducing exposure to lead and heavy metals, especially for
children and communities with environmental justice concerns.”
Pollutants from industrial facilities that are carried by stormwater, if not
properly managed, can impact water quality and aquatic life. This occurs when
rainwater washes over surfaces at industrial sites, picking up harmful
pollutants like chemicals, metals, and sediments before flowing offsite into
nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. The Clean Water Act requires that certain
industrial facilities, such as S &W Atlas Iron & Metal, obtain permits
to control the discharge of pollutants in stormwater runoff to water bodies.
These facilities must develop and implement stormwater pollution prevention
plans.
EPA alleges that for the 2022-2023 monitoring period, S &W Atlas Iron
& Metal exceeded the limits for levels of iron, zinc, and copper in its
discharge. These limits are meant to protect the Los Angeles River.
Additionally, EPA alleges that S & W Atlas discharged stormwater through
unauthorized breaches in a perimeter wall onto Jordan High School property. To
settle these EPA claims of violations, S & W Atlas has agreed to:
- Submit and implement a Stormwater Containment Plan.
- Operate and maintain the stormwater treatment system
and stormwater/oil separator according to the manufacturer’s manual.
- Include standard operating procedures in the Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- Require and provide frequent training for employees
according to the updated SWPPP.
EPA conducts inspections and takes enforcement actions as part of its
mission to protect public health and the environment. EPA will monitor S &
W Atlas Iron & Metal’s progress and take further action should the company
fail to meet its obligations.
Learn more about the stormwater
permits under the Clean Water Act.
Read more about the EPA’s National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and the Clean
Water Act.
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