EPA Settles Clean Water Act Violation Claims with CMA CGM
The company will pay $165,000 in penalties.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Aug 05, 2023
The EPA has come to an agreement with CMA CGM—the world’s third largest shipping container company—over claims the Marseille, France-based company violated the EPA’s Vessel General Permit, part of the Clean Water Act.
In a release dated August 3, the EPA announced CMA CGM will pay $165,000 in penalties as part of the settlement. The decision comes after claims four of the company’s ships carried violations for failing to calibrate and apply the ballast water treatment system prior to discharge, monitor and sample discharges of that system, record annual self-inspections and file annual reports.
"The Vessel General Permit is a key element of the Clean Water Act. When companies and their ships don't comply with this permit, the quality of our nation's already-challenged waters can be seriously impacted," EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said in a statement. "It's incumbent upon vessel owners and operators to properly manage what they discharge into our oceans, and to meet their monitoring and reporting requirements."
Following news of the settlement between the EPA and CMA CGM, interested parties have 30 days to provide public comment ahead of final approval.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.