Salvage Yard Settles with EPA

Maryland auto salvage yard settles fine with EPA.

Stokes Automotive Parts, Inc., Jefferson, Md., 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, Stokes will implement required storm water pollution controls and pay the $5,000 penalty for failing to obtain a storm water discharge permit.

The alleged violations were documented in joint inspections by EPA and the Maryland Department of the Environment. The company 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 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.