Clean Water Act Violations

Since taking office, Giles and her team have stepped up enforcement of violations of the Clean Water Act.

In 2010, Giles' office ordered Kinross DeLamar Mining Company in Idaho to pay a $35,000 fine for its failure to implement adequate stormwater controls at its DeLamar Mine.

In March 2010, EPA's enforcement arm also won a $26,288 civil penalty against a dairy operation in northwest Iowa accused of discharging animal waste pollutants into a stream tributary without a permit. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permits are required for dairy farms with 700 or more cows.

Reducing Air Pollution

Partnering with EPA's Office of Air and Office of Research and Development, Giles and her team are also working on reducing air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are routinely emitted by industrial and commercial facilities. These pollutants have known adverse effects on human health, including respiratory illnesses and asthma.

In the past, EPA enforcement efforts have focused on coal-fired and cement plants. Giles plans to continue to crack down on these industries and has already scored several victories in that area.

In January 2010, EPA filed $7 million settlements for systemic violations of the Clean Air Act against two companies - Saint Gobain Containers, Inc. (the second largest container glass manufacturer in the U.S.), and Lafarge Company (second-largest manufacturer of Portland cement) - for violations in a combined 28 plants.

In December 2009, Duke Energy Corp. agreed to spend $93 million to address Clean Air Act violations at a coal-fired power plant in New Albany, Ind., and another $1.75 million in civil penalties. Duke also agreed to pay $6.25 million for environmental projects such as land restoration or converting Duke's vehicles from diesel to hybrids. "Coal-fired power plants are big contributors to air pollution, which is why we need to make sure they comply with the law," Giles said.

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