The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently released annual results from its enforcement and compliance efforts:
“Enforcement of environmental laws resulted in nearly $6 billion invested in pollution control and cleanup during fiscal year 2010 in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. The largest cases are three Midwest oil spills — Enbridge Energy Partners for spills in Marshall, Mich. and Romeoville, Ill., and BP Products North America Inc. for a spill in Whiting, Ind. Judgements against Cincinnati and Hamilton County required them to spend $1.79 billion to reduce untreated combined sewer and sanitary sewer overflows.
“In addition, Region 5’s enforcement efforts will cause more than $1.8 million to be spent for supplemental projects benefiting communities and populations that could be disproportionately affected by the violation of environmental laws.
“During FY10, more than 16.9 million pounds of pollution were reduced, treated or eliminated in Region 5. There were 1,415 violations reported with a resulting 2,750 pounds of hazardous wastes, 161 lab packs and 10 pounds of radioactive waste removed and disposed of.
“In FY 2010, Region 5 successfully negotiated and finalized decisions on 11 disclosures submitted by participants in the Region’s Audit Agreement with Colleges and Universities. Approximately 1415 violations were disclosed and have been corrected, resulting in the removal and disposal approximately 2750 pounds of hazardous wastes, 161 lab packs and 10 pounds of radioactive wastes.”
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
