EPA Fines Arizona Builder for Failing to Comply with Clean Air Act

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Arizona company Summit Builders Construction $105,610 for allegedly failing to comply with Clean Air Act regulations. In addition to the monetary fine, the EPA is requiring Summit to take steps to minimize the generation of dust at its construction sites.

In 2006 and 2007, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAD) inspected five commercial construction projects in Maricopa County and uncovered eight violations for failing to perform various measures required to reduce particulate matter emissions. The violation included the following:

•           Failure to install a trackout control device to remove particulate matter from vehicles;

•           Failure to immediately clean up dirt that is tracked more than 50 feet beyond the site;

•           Failure to operate a water application system during earthmoving operations;

•           Failure to comply with the dust control plan.

In addition to the penalty, Summit is required to train employees in basic dust control; document the training; and employ qualified dust controls at larger work sites for two years.