Case Study: Chromium Plating Facility
We defended a chromium plating facility against a civil and criminal investigation jointly conducted by the State of Colorado and EPA resulting from alleged dumping of wastewater containing hexavalent chromium, a listed hazardous waste. The State and EPA obtained a search warrant and raided the facility, seizing evidence and conducting sampling. We were successful in resolving the civil proceeding under a Compliance Order on Consent, and in negotiating a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) to benefit the local community. The government declined to file criminal charges against the company. We also defended the company against a penalty proceeding relating to alleged discharges of wastewater containing nickel and chromium to the city’s pretreatment system.