# U.S. EPA settles with Tesla over hazardous waste violations at Fremont, Calif., facility 

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/u-s-epa-settles-with-tesla-over-hazardous-waste-violations-at-fremont-calif-facility/
- Published: 2020-07-08T19:52:26-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

_Company will purchase emergency response equipment for City of Fremont first responders._

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ([EPA](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/epa-enforcement-violated-rules-protects-pacific/))
announced a settlement with [Tesla](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/fire-breaks-out-at-tesla-factory-in-fremont/)
Motors Inc. over federal [hazardous](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/how-hazardous-waste-removal-works/)
[waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/epa-lists-site-jackpile-paguate-mine-concerns/)
violations at their automobile manufacturing plant in Fremont, Calif.

So under the agreement and first of all, Tesla will take specific steps to properly
manage hazardous wastes at its factory.  Tesla will also purchase $55,000 in emergency
response equipment for the City of Fremont Fire Department and pay a $31,000 penalty.

![Tesla Roadster Electric Car. Yet in this article Company will purchase emergency
response equipment for City of Fremont first responders.   The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Tesla Motors Inc. over federal
hazardous waste violations at their automobile manufacturing plant in Fremont, Calif](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/image4.jpg?resize
=135%2C90&quality=52&ssl=1)

“It’s vital that businesses comply with hazardous waste laws that keep [facilities](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/settlement-with-new-cingular-wireless-to-resolve-violations-of-community-right-to-know-law/)
safe for workers and the community,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator
Mike Stoker. “We are pleased that this settlement will bring much needed emergency
response equipment to the City of Fremont.”

#### As a result of the inspections, EPA determined that Tesla

 1. failed to comply with air emissions standards for equipment leaks;
 2. failed to comply with management requirements for generators of hazardous wastes;
    and
 3. failed to make an adequate hazardous waste [determination for certain solid waste generated at the facility](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/epa-finalizes-plan-for-crown-vantage-landfill-superfund-site-in-alexandria-township-new-jersey/).

#### More Fines

In addition to paying the $31,000 penalty, Tesla is required to complete a supplemental
environmental project. One to purchase and provide at least $55,000 worth of emergency
response equipment for the City of Fremont Fire Department.

####  Effective Response Equipment

Furthermore, this equipment will improve the department’s ability to respond to 
hazardous materials incidents. The company has since addressed all the identified
violations and has come into compliance with RCRA requirements. Tesla also delivered
hazardous waste training to over 1,100 paint shop associates, technicians and supervisors
at its facility.

EPA led unannounced inspections at the Fremont facility in 2017. In addition and
along with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the Bay Area
Air Quality Management District. The inspections identified [violations of federal Resource Conservation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/migratory-bird-hunt-violates-conservation-laws/)
and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. As a result, RCRA rules require the safe management
of hazardous waste to protect public health and the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/u-s-epa-fines-tucson-facility-30000-for-hazardous-waste-violations/).
In addition and to prevent costly cleanups. The [settlement is part of the EPA’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/04/columbia-label-a-settlement-with-the-epa/)
National Compliance initiative to reduce hazardous air emissions at hazardous waste
facilities.

#### Finally and for more information about the National Compliance initiative.

So please visit:  [https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-reducing-hazardous-air-emissions-hazardous-waste](https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/national-compliance-initiative-reducing-hazardous-air-emissions-hazardous-waste)

Finally and in conclusion, for more information on RCRA, please visit: [www.epa.gov/rcra ](https://www.epa.gov/rcra)
04/01/2019 / SAN FRANCISCO

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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