COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AUTO SALVAGE...

[GROUP PRESS 202-260-4355]

!/COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AUTO SALVAGE.../SCROLL
FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2001

COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AUTO SALVAGE YARD

The United States filed a civil action under the Clean Water Act (CWA) against Jurcharan Bian of Garcia Auto Parts
of Washington, D.C., for allegedly violating federal environmental laws at its auto salvage facility. The
complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeks injunctive relief requiring the company to
abate hazardous conditions resulting from the discharge of automobile fluids and other dangerous contaminants into
storm water that feeds into the Anacostia River. It also requires the company to obtain and comply with a National
Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems storm water permit. The company allegedly discharged polluted storm water
containing motor oil, lead from batteries, organic plastics, and other hazardous materials into the District of
Columbia sewer system, which in turns drains into Hickery Run, a tributary that feeds into the Anacostia River. In
February 1999, EPA inspections revealed that Garcia Auto Parts did not have a required CWA storm water discharge
permit. EPA issued an administrative order requiring the salvage yard to obtain the permit and to implement a
storm water pollution control plan. However, the company failed to obtain the permit and has continued to
discharge polluted storm water into local storm drains, the complaint alleges. The company can be fined up to
$27,500 each day, per violation under the CWA. For more information visit:
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/dc/press/01006.html .

R-22 ###