Before discussing the potential relief afforded industrial operators under this policy, we note the clear expectations imposed by U.S. EPA on regulated facilities seeking to avail themselves of the benefits of this temporary enforcement policy.
First, the policy states clearly that “EPA expects all regulated entities to continue to manage and operate their facilities in a manner that is safe and that protects the public and the environment.” In this regard, U.S. EPA expects all facilities to notify the appropriate regulatory authority – either EPA, state authorities or tribal governments – in the event that any inability to comply with environmental requirements as a result of the COVID-19 crisis could result in “acute risk” or “imminent and substantial endangerment” to human health and the environment. Similar notice is also required should the failure of pollution control equipment or other compliance systems result in exceedances of permit standards or limits. Notice to the agencies will be followed by active engagement by and between the agencies and regulated entities on actions to avoid or minimize any potential adverse consequences from any failed compliance.
Second, the policy also makes clear that regulated facilities are required in the first instance to make every effort to comply with their regulatory obligations. Where compliance is not possible due to COVID-19 causes, industrial operators must “act responsibly” in order to “minimize the effect and duration of any noncompliance caused by COVID-19.” This will require (i) prompt reporting of any noncompliance as required under applicable permits or government orders, including relevant force majeure provisions, and (ii) documentation of the impact of COVID-19 on compliance and the steps taken by the facility to return to compliance as quickly as possible.
U.S. EPA’s COVID-19 enforcement policy provides that, in the event that a facility has fulfilled its obligations under the policy, the Agency will exercise its enforcement discretion and not pursue enforcement or stipulated penalties in Agency orders for compliance shortcomings caused by COVID-19. The policy notes that relief would extend to compliance monitoring and reporting, training requirements, reporting obligations and other milestones under government settlement agreements and orders, violations of 90 day hazardous waste storage requirements and exceedances of applicable permit standards. Again, the ability to garner favorable enforcement relief from U.S. EPA will depend upon a facility’s satisfaction of notice requirements in any permits, orders or the COVID-19 policy itself.
The policy also includes guidance on when after-the-fact “catch-up” reporting will be required (for reporting durations of 3 months or greater) and other relief (e.g., VSQ and SQ generators of hazardous waste will not lose their status from delays in off-site disposal of any accumulated waste).
The policy is retroactive to March 13th and will remain in effect until U.S. EPA indicates otherwise, with 7 days advance notice of termination required by the Agency.
U.S. EPA makes clear that criminal liability for the “intentional disregard of the law” is not covered. This policy also does not apply to cleanups being conducted under the Agency’s Superfund or RCRA authority, which the policy indicates will be covered in a forthcoming, separate policy document, and regulations involving the importation of products into the U.S. The policy also does not apply to state enforcement actions.
In general, we have found most state agencies to be open to discussion and compromise when approached with COVID-19 compliance issues, especially around delays in schedules for required monitoring. This has not been not universally true, however, so active outreach is advisable and diligent documentation of any agreements on relief from compliance requirements must be done. A number of states are developing their own COVID-19 enforcement policies, examples of which include the following:
How we can Help. U.S. EPA’s new COVID-19 enforcement policy and similar actions across the states reflect a recognition of the very real environmental compliance challenges confronted by industry amidst this crisis. Relief is increasingly available, but requires careful planning, satisfaction of notice and other regulatory obligations, active engagement with the regulators and documentation of accommodations and relief granted. Baker McKenzie’s Environmental Group is available to answer any questions you might have and provide legal support and counsel as you navigate the environmental issues that arise as the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve. Please reach out to our COVID-19 contacts should you need further assistance.
Baker McKenzie has put together a global resource center for all key insights and upcoming webinars as a central repository to assist our clients understand, prepare and respond quickly to the significant legal and business challenges posed by COVID-19. Please use the following link to visit the Coronavirus Resource Center for additional resources. Baker McKenzie understands that these times are challenging for all our clients and we want to assure you we are here to assist.
David Hackett advises senior management, legal departments and boards of major corporations and nonprofits on compliance, risk, environmental and sustainability matters. He has exceptional experience managing US and international compliance and environmental projects, including the evaluation and development of effective compliance and sustainability programs. He also has extensive experience litigating major civil and criminal environmental matters. David sits on multiple nonprofit boards and additionally advises many civic and nonprofit organizations across the globe. Following his tenure with the Environmental Enforcement Division of the US Department of Justice, David joined the Firm where he has played a formative role in the establishment of the Firm's compliance, environmental, climate and sustainability practices. At Baker McKenzie, David has served as the managing partner of North America, a member of the Global Executive Committee, and Chicago office managing partner. He has also been the North America Chair of both the Compliance Practice Group and the Banking, Finance and Major Projects Practice Group.
Doug Sanders leads Baker & McKenzie's US Environmental Litigation practice. He represents a broad range of domestic and non-US corporations before federal, state and administrative courts in environmental, class action, mass tort and product liability litigation, government enforcement, permitting and criminal proceedings.
John W. Watson chairs the Firm’s North American Environmental Practice Group and leads the coordinated Global Environmental Practice, consistently recognized as the largest environmental practice of any law firm in the world. Mr. Watson has been advising industrial enterprises on managing environmental risks and liabilities arising out of their domestic and international operations for over 25 years.
Jessica Wicha regularly advises US and multinational companies on managing the risks and liabilities arising under federal and state environmental, health and safety ("EHS") laws, with a particular emphasis on solid and hazardous waste and water resource issues. A significant portion of her practice also focuses on the US and international EHS laws regulating the manufacture, marketing, sale and disposal of products, including TSCA, FIFRA, California’s Proposition 65, and state chemical content and electronic waste laws. Ms. Wicha's practice covers the spectrum of environmental legal matters, including regulatory compliance counseling, enforcement defense, and environmental aspects of complex business transactions. She strives to provide practical solutions to her client's environmental legal challenges, including day-to-day compliance issues, remediation matters, emergency spills and releases, and regulatory enforcement. Ms. Wicha also has extensive experience advising on environmental transactional matters across a wide range of industry sectors and global jurisdictions. This work includes scoping and coordinating environmental due diligence, managing environmental consultants, advising clients on environmental liability and risk allocation issues and tools, drafting and negotiating environmental contractual language, and coordinating permit transfers. Ms. Wicha is a past co-chair of the Baker McKenzie Chicago Associates Committee and currently serves on the Baker McKenzie Chicago BGreen Committee and is a member of the Firm's BakerWomen group.
Catherine Yang is an associate in the Baker McKenzie's Chicago office and a member of the Banking Finance & Major Projects Group.
