California: EPA acts against two water plants for chemical safety deficiencies

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken enforcement action against two public water treatment plants for violations of the Clean Air Act’s chemical safety requirements. The two plants are the Benicia Water Treatment Plant, located in Benicia, and the Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant in Fairfield. According to the EPA, the Benicia Water Treatment Plant did not submit its Risk Management Plan and update emergency contact details on time. The Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant did not submit its required Risk Management Plan report altogether. Both facilities will pay a civil penalty and are working to return to compliance.
The Risk Management Program (RMP) requires facilities that use hazardous chemicals to develop safety plans, conduct hazard analyses, and submit regular updates to the EPA. Noncompliance can increase the danger of accidental chemical releases with serious consequences for facility workers and surrounding communities. EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook confirmed the agency’s commitment to reduce the risk of chemical accidents in California.