Fine for Violating Clean Water Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (USA) has fined Rainbow Production of Hot Springs, Arkansas, $1,700 for violating federal Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Regulations outlined under the federal Clean Water Act.

A June 14, 2012, EPA inspection of Debo #4 and #3 oil production facilities located on Robinson Acres Road, El Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, revealed no inspection records were available for review as required by SPCC regulations. Personnel working at these facilities had no training on the operation and maintenance of equipment to prevent discharges or on the discharge procedure protocols of the SPCC plan. The inspection also found site personnel were not trained on applicable pollution control laws, rules and regulations, and training records were not maintained for three years. As part of an Expedited Settlement Agreement with the EPA, the facilities have certified that all identified deficiencies have been corrected.

SPCC regulations require onshore oil production or bulk storage facilities to provide oil spill prevention, preparedness and countermeasures to prevent oil discharges. The SPCC program helps protect our nation’s water quality since a spill of only one gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water.