The owner of a St. Louis scrap metal facility is on the hook for around $100,000 to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , finding the company failed to adequately control stormwater runoff from a right next to the Mississippi River.
The EPA SA Recycling stored scrap metal, gas cans and other waste material in a way that could transport them into the river during a rain event, resulting in an illegal discharge of pollution into the Mississippi. The agency also alleges SA Recycling had unmarked places where water from the facility could discharge into the river.
鈥淯ncontrolled runoff from industrial facilities not only harms streams and rivers, but it also limits the public鈥檚 use and enjoyment of those waters,鈥 said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7鈥檚 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance division.
SA Recycling has committed to correcting the violations through a consent agreement reached with the EPA. The agency estimates it will cost about $44,000 to make the necessary changes.
SA Recycling will also pay $68,000 in civil penalties.
鈥淭his settlement demonstrates EPA鈥檚 commitment to protecting vital watersheds, especially in areas overburdened by pollution, and creating a level playing field with businesses who are complying with the law,鈥 Cozad said.
SA Recycling could not immediately be reached for comment.