Tesla / EPA Settlement For Hazardous Materials Violation
Tesla / EPA Settlement For Hazardous Materials Violation
Tesla / EPA Settlement For Hazardous Materials Violation
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i UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
0
? REGION IX
~~ t.
-i;,"( ,-eol'·c:'~· 75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
MAR 1 8 2019
Tesla Inc.
Attn: Legal Department
Yesenia Villasenor
901 Page Avenue
Fremont, California 94538
Please find enclosed a copy of the final executed Consent Agreement and Final Order (CA/FO)
negotiated between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX (EPA) and
Tesla, Inc. This CA/FO sets out the terms for resolution of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act violations discovered during routine compliance evaluation inspections at your
facility in Fremont, California. Tesla's full compliance with the terms of this CA/FO will close
this case. If you have any questions regarding the regulations governing your operations or the
rules which govern the proceedings terminated by the enclosed document, please have your
counsel contact Rebecca Sugerman, in the Office of Regional Counsel, at (415) 972-3893.
;;;p___
2 y C. Miller, Acting Director
Enforcement Division
Enclosure
CONSENT AGREEMENT
A. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
3. Respondent is Tesla, Inc. (which does business in California as Tesla Motors Inc.), a
Delaware corporation, headquartered at 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, California,
94304.
4. This Consent Agreement and Final Order ("CA/FO"), pursuant to 40 C.F.R. §§ 22.13 and
22.18, simultaneously commences and concludes this proceeding, wherein EPA alleges
that Respondent violated Section 3008 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6928, and state regulations
adopted pursuant to the approved California hazardous waste management program.
5. The Parties agree that settling this action without the filing of a complaint or the
adjudication of any issue of fact or law is in their respective interest and in the public
interest.
7. The State of California ("State") received authorization to administer the hazardous waste
management program in lieu of the federal program pursuant to Section 3006 of RCRA,
42 U.S.C. § 6926, and 40 C.F.R. Part 271, on August 1, 1992. The authorized hazardous
waste program is established pursuant to the Hazardous Waste Control Law, Chapter 6.5
of Division 20 of the California Health and Safety Code, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder at Title 22, Division 4.5 of the California Code of Regulations, 22 C.C.R.
§§ 66001 et seq. The State has been authorized for all the hazardous waste management
regulations referenced in this CA/FO.
9. Respondent owns and operates the facility located at 45500 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont,
California (the "Facility"). Respondent manufactures electric vehicles at the Facility.
Respondent is a large quantity generator of hazardous wastes as defined in California
Health & Safety Code§ 25117, and 22 C.C.R. §§ 66260.10 and 66261.3, with EPA ID
No. CAD000051433.
10. On November 28, 2017 and December 12, 2017, EPA conducted compliance evaluation
inspections ("CEI") at the Facility pursuant to Subtitle C of RCRA. Based upon the
findings EPA made during the inspections, and additional information obtained
subsequent to the inspections, EPA determined that Respondent violated California
Health & Safety Code § 25100 et seq. and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, as
approved and authorized by the United States.
11. Section 3008 of RCRA, 42 U .S.C. § 6928, authorizes the EPA Administrator to issue
.orders assessing a civil penalty and/or requiring compliance immediately or within a
specified time for violation of any requirement of Subtitle C ofRCRA, Section 3001 of
RCRA et seq., 42 U.S.C. § 6921 et seq.
12. The Administrator has delegated enforcement authority under Section 3008 of RCRA, 42
U.S.C. § 6928, to the EPA Regional Administrators, with delegation 8-9-A, last revised
February 4, 2016. The Regional Administrator, EPA Region IX, in turn, redelegated that
authority to the Director of the Enforcement Division, Region IX, with delegation R9-120
TN 111, dated January 22, 2016.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
14. Respondent is the "owner" of a facility as defined in 22 C.C.R. § 66260.10 [see also 40
C.F.R. § 260.10].
15. Respondent is the "operator" of a facility as defined in 22 C.C.R. § 66260.10 [see also 40
C.F.R. § 260.10].
18. At the Facility, Respondent generates and accumulates, or has generated and
accumulated, "hazardous waste" as defined in California Health & Safety Code § 25117,
-and 22 C.C.R. §§ 66260.10 and 66261.3 [see also RCRA § 1004(5), and 40 C.F.R.
§§ 260.10 and 261.3]. These hazardous wastes include but are not limited to the
following hazardous waste codes: D001, D002, D003, D005, D008, D009, D010, DOI I,
D018, D025, D026, D035, D039, F003, FOOS, FOOS, P002, P009, U044, U154, and
U162.
COUNTI
(Failure to Comply with Applicable Generator Accumulation Requirements)
19. Paragraphs 1 through 18 above are incorporated herein by this reference as if they were
set forth here in their entirety.
20. At the time of the inspection, Respondent did not have a permit or grant of interim status
to store hazardous waste under 22 C.C.R. § 66270.1 [see also 40 C.F.R. § 270.1].
21. 22 C.C.R. § 66262.34 [see also 40 C.F .R. § 262.17(a)] allows a generator to accumulate
hazardous waste onsite for up to 90 days without a permit or interim status, provided that
the generator complies with certain requirements.
1
All citations to the "C.C.R." refer to Division 4.5 of Title 22 of the current California Code of Regulations. EPA is
enforcing California hazardous waste management program requirements as approved and authorized by the United
States. As a convenience, corresponding Federal citations are provided in brackets.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
22. 22 C.C.R. § 66262.34(a) allows a generator to accumulate hazardous waste onsite for up
to 90 days without a permit or interim status provided that the generator labels each
hazardous waste tank or container with the words "hazardous waste" and labels each
hazardous waste tank or container with the date accumulation of the waste begins. The
label must be visible for inspection.
23. 22 C.C.R. § 66262.34(e) allows a generator to store in a satellite accumulation area only
as much as 55-gallons of hazardous waste without complying with all the requirements in
a permit or grant of interim status.
24. Based on information gathered during the inspection, EPA alleges that Respondent failed
to promptly clean up D001 flammable paint and or solvent mixtures that had leaked from
transmission lines and pumps and collected in unlabeled open trays.
25. Based on information gathered during the inspection, EPA alleges that Respondent stored
over 55-gallons of D001 hazardous waste in four separate satellite accumulat.ion areas.
26. Based on information gathered during the inspection, EPA alleges that Respondent stored
used fluorescent lamps in one unlabeled and undated container and in another container .
that had a label dated October 14, 2014.
27. Therefore, because Respondent did not comply with all requirements applicable to
generators that accumulate hazardous waste on-site, Respondent is considered to have
stored hazardous waste without a permit, a violation of22 C.C.R. § 66270.1 [see also 40
C.F.R. § 270.1].
COUNT II
(Failure to Comply with Container Management Requirements)
28. Paragraphs 1 through 18 above are incorporated herein by t.his reference as if they were
set forth here in their entirety.
29. 22 C.C.R. § 66262.34(a) specifies that a generator may store hazardous waste without a
permit or interim status if the generator meets certain conditions, including the
requirements of22 C.C.R, § 66265.173 [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.17(a)(l)].
30. 22 C.C.R. § 66265.173 requires that "[a] container holding hazardous waste shall always
be closed during transfer and storage, except when it is necessary to add or remove
waste." [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.l 7(a)(l)].
31. During the inspection, EPA inspectors observed two 55-gallon containers at the Facility
that contained D001 hazardous waste and were equipped with funnels in the bung holes;
the tops of the funnels were open and neither had a gasket or locking mechanism.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
. 32. Therefore, EPA alleges that Respondent failed to comply with container management
requirements for hazardous waste generators in violation of 22 C.C.R. §§ 66262.34(a)(I)
and 66265.173 [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.17(a)(l)].
COUNT III
(Failure to Make an Adequate Hazardous Waste Determination)
33. Paragraphs I through 18 above are incorporated herein by this reference as if they were
set forth here in their entirety. ·
34. 22 C.C.R. § 66262.11 requires a person who generates a waste, as defined by 22 C.C.R.
§ 66261.2, to make an accurate determination as to whether that waste is a hazardous
waste. [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.11]. ·
35. Respondent identified its waste purge solvent as an ignitable hazardous waste (DOOi) on
its hazardous waste manifest but failed to determine that the purge solvent also exhibited
the characteristic of toxicity (D035). As a result, Respondent failed to include the D035
waste code on its hazardous waste manifest forms for its purge solvent.
36. Therefore, EPA alleges that Respondent failed to make an adequate hazardous waste
determination, a violation of22 C.C.R. § 66262.11 [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.11].
COUNTIV
(Failure to Comply with Air Emission Standards for Equipment Leaks)
37. .Paragraphs l through 18 above are incorporated herein by this reference as if they were
set forth here in their entirety.
38. Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 15, Article 28 (Air Emission Standards for Equipment
Leaks) of the California Code of Regulations ("Article 28") [see also 40 C.F.R. §§
265.1050-1065] requires a large quantity generator ofRCRA hazardous wastes to control
air emissions from equipment leaks, by, inter alia, determining the percent-by-weight
total organics in the hazardous waste stream at the equipment, tagging all equipment
subject to Article 28, conducting leak detection monitoring and keeping records.
39. During the inspection, EPA observed that Respondent was not implementing the air
emission standards for equipment leaks for three lines with ancillary equipment (valves,
flanges, etc.) which transfer hazardous waste (Flammable Clearcoat Waste and
Flammable Primer Waste) from fixed product tanks to 55-gallon drums.
40. Therefore, EPA alleges that Respondent failed to comply with the requirements for air
emission standards for equipment leaks, in violation of 22 C.C.R. §§ 66262.34(a)(l)(i);
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
COUNTY
(Failure to Comply with Aisle Space Requirements)
41. Paragraphs 1 through 18 above are incorporated herein by this reference as if they were
set forth here in their entirety.
42. 22 C.C.R. §§ 66262.34(a)(4) and 66265.35 requires that a generator that accumulates
hazardous waste on-site must maintain aisle space to allow the unobstructed movement of
personnel, fire protection equipment, spill control equipment, and decontamination
equipment in the waste accumulation area in an emergency, unless aisle space is not
needed for any of these purposes. [see also 40 C.F.R. § 262.255].
43. During the inspection, EPA observed that Respondent did not maintain adequate aisle
space in the main central hazardous waste accumulation area.
44. Therefore, EPA alleges that Respondent failed to comply with the requirements for aisle
space, in violation of in violation of22 C.C.R. §§ 66262.34(a)(4); 66265.35 [see also 40
C.F.R. § 262.255].
E. CIVIL PENALTY
45. The Complainant proposes that Respondent be assessed, and Respondent agrees to pay
THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($31,000) as the civil penalty for the violations
alleged herein.
46. The proposed penalty was calculated in accordance with the "June 2003 RCRA Civil
Penalty Policy," and was adjusted for inflation by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act, as amended, and the Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Rule,
40 C.F.R. Part 19.
47. For the purposes of this proceeding, Respondent admits and agrees that EPA has
jurisdiction and authority over the subject matter of the action commenced in this CA/FO
and over Respondent. Respondent consents to and agrees not to contest EPA's
jurisdiction and authority to enter into and issue this CA/FO and to enforce its terms.
Further, Respondent will not contest EPA's jurisdiction and authority to compel
compliance with this CA/FO in any enforcement proceedings, either administrative or
judicial, or to impose sanctions for violations of this CA/FO.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
48. For the purposes of this proceeding, Respondent admits the facts stipulated in the consent
agreementand does not admit any liability arising out of the occurrences alleged in this
CA/FO. Respondent hereby waives any rights Respondent may have to contest the
allegations and to appeal the proposed Final Order accompanying this Consent
Agreement and made part of this CA/FO.
G. PARTIES BOUND
49. This CA/FO shall apply to and be binding upon Respondent and its agents, successors
and assigns, until the civil penalty required under Sections E and H has been paid in
accordance with Section H, the Supplemental Environmental Project ("SEP") required
under Section I has been completed in accordance with Section I, and any delays in
performance and/or stipulated penalties have been resolved. When those matters are
concluded, this CA/FO shall terminate and constitute full settlement of the violations
alleged herein.
50. No change in ownership or corporate, partnership or legal status relating to the Facility
will in any way alter Respondent's obligations and responsibilities under this CA/FO.
51. .The undersigned representative of Respondent hereby certifies that he or she is fully
authorized by Respondent to enter into this CA/FO, to execute and to legally bind
Respondent to it.
52. Respondent consents to the assessment of and agrees to pay a civil penalty ofTHIRTY-
ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($31,000) in full settlement of the federal civil penalty
claims set forth in this CA/FO.
Regular Mail:
Payment shall be made by certified or cashier's check payable to "Treasurer, United
States of America," and sent as follows:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Fines and Penalties
Cincinnati Finance Center
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
PO Box 979077
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
Overnight Mail:
Payment shall be made by certified or cashier's check payable to "Treasurer, United
States of America," and sent as follows:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Government Lockbox 979077
I 005 Convention Plaza
Mail Station SL-MO-C2GL
St. Louis, MO 63 IO I
Contact: Craig Steffen (513) 487-2091
Wire Transfers:
Wire transfers must be sent directly to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City with
the following information:
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
ABA = 021030004
Account= 68010727
SWIFT address= FRNYUS33
33 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10045
Beneficiary: US Environmental Protection Agency
*Note: Foreign banks must use a United States Bank to send a wire transfer to the US
EPA.
On Line Payment:
Payers can use their credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard. American Express &
Discover) as well as checking account information to make payments.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
54. At the time payment is made, a copy of the check shall be sent to:
And
55. In accordance with the Debt Collection Act of 1982 and U.S. Treasury directive (TFRM
.6-8000), each payment must be received by the due date set forth in this CA/FO to avoid
additional charges. If payment is not received by the due date, interest will accrue from
the Effective Date of this CA/FO at the current rate published by the United States
Treasury as described at 40 C.F .R. § 13 .11. In addition, a 6% per annum penalty assessed
monthly will further apply on any principal amount not paid within ninety (90) calendar
days of its due date. Respondent further will be liable for stipulated penalties as set forth
below for any payment not received by its due date.
56. The penalties specified in this CA/FO shall represent civil penalties assessed by EPA and
shall not be deducted by Respondent or any other person or entity for federal, state, or
local taxation purposes.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and FinaJ·Order
58. The City of Fremont Fire Department's mission, among other things, is to prevent and
minimize the loss of life and property threated by hazardous materials incidents within
the community. In developing this SEP, Respondent contacted the City of Freemont Fire
Department and inquired whether it could use emergency planning and preparedness
assistance to better plan for and respond to hazardous materials incidents. In response to
this inquiry, the City of Fremont Fire Department requested the purchase of certain
equipment to improve its abilities to respond to hazardous materials incidents.
59. Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of this CA/FO, Respondent shall purchase the.
following emergency response equipment for the City of Fremont Fire Department: (I) a
drone used to carry hazardous material sensors, cameras and other payloads (Aeryon
Skyranger Drone or similar $35,500); and (2) a drone detection device that works like
radar for drones to help ensure that there are no unauthorized drones flying near an
emergency scene (DJI Aero scope or similar $19,500).
60. Respondent shall use all reasonable efforts to provide equipment to the City of Fremont
Fire Department as described above but may substitute equipment that supports
emergency planning and preparedness that is similar in total cost to the equipment
described above with the consent of the City of Fremont Fire Department and EPA. Such
adjustments may change the total amount spent. Any substitution changing the total
amount spent is subject to Section J.
62. Within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the Effective Date of the CA/FO,
Respondent shall submit a SEP Completion Report to EPA. The SEP Completion Report
shall contain the following information: (i) a detailed description of the SEP as
implemented with an accounting showing the amount Respondent expended for the
implementation of the SEP and substantiating documentation, including but not limited to
invoices, purchase orders, checks or receipts, and correspondence with the City of
Fremont Fire Department; (ii) a brief, narrative description of the environmental and
public health benefits resulting from implementation of the project; and (iii) certification
that the project has been fully implemented pursuant to the provisions of the CA/FO, as
descripted in further detail below.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
63. In the SEP Completion Report, Respondent shall, by its officers, sign and certify under
penalty of law that the information contained in such document or report is true, accurate,
and not misleading by signing the following statement: "I certify under penalty of law
that I have examined and am familiar with the information submitted in this document
and all attachments and that, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately
responsible for obtaining the information, I believe that the information is true, accurate,
and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false
information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment." The Final SEP
Completion Report shall be submitted via hard copy or electronic mail to:
Jeff Kleven
Acting Division Chief Operations
City of Fremont Fire Department
3300 Capital Ave Building A
Fremont CA 94538
64. Failure to complete the SEP Completion Report required herein shall be deemed a
violation of this CA/FO and Respondent shall be liable for stipulated penalties pursuant
to Section J.
65. With regard to the SEP, Respondent certifies the truth and accuracy of each of the
following: (a) that all cost information provided to the EPA in connection with the EPA's
approval of the SEP is complete and accurate and that Respondent in good faith estimates
that the cost to implement the SEP is at least $55,000 DOLLARS; (b) that, as of the date
of this CA/FO, Respondent is not required to perform or develop the SEP by any federal,
state, or local law or regulation and is not required to perform or develop the SEP by
agreement, grant, or as injunctive relief awarded in any other action in any forum; (c) that
the SEP is not a project that Respondent was planning or intending to construct, perform
or implement other than in settlement of the claims resolved in this CA/FO; (d) that
Respondent has not received and will not receive credit for the SEP in any other
enforcement action; (e) that Respondent will not receive reimbursement for any portion
of the SEP from another person or entity; (f) that for federal income tax purposes,
Respondent will neither capitalize into inventory or basis nor deduct any costs or
expenditures incurred in performing the SEP; and (g) that Respondent is not a party to
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
any federal financial transaction that is funding or could fund the same activity as the
SEP described in this CA/FO and has inquired of the City of Fremont Fire Department
whether it is a party to an open federal financial assistance transaction that is funding or
could fund the same activity as the SEP and has been informed by the Fremont
Department that it is not a party to such a transaction.
66. Any public statement, oral or written, in print, film, or other media, made by Respondent
making reference to the SEP under this CA/FO from the date of its execution of this
CA/FO shall include the following language: "This project was undertaken in connection
with the settlement of an enforcement action taken by the Environmental Protection
Agency to enforce federal laws."
67. In the event Respondent fails to meet any requirement set forth in this CA/FO,
Respondent shall pay stipulated penalties as follows: FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS
($500) per day for first to fifteenth day of delay, ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000)
per day for sixteenth to thirtieth day of delay, and THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS
($3,000) per day for each day of delay thereafter. Compliance by Respondent shall
include completion of any activity under this CA/FO in a manner acceptable to EPA and
within the specified time schedules in and approved under this CA/FO.
68. In the event that Respondent fails to substantially conduct the SEP in accordance with the
terms of this CA/FO, Respondent shall pay a stipulated penalty of EIGHTY-TWO
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($82,500) less any stipulated penalties
already paid for failure to submit the SEP Completion Report pursuant to Paragraph 62.
69. For failure to timely complete the SEP and submittal of the SEP Completion Report
required by Section I, Respondent shall pay a stipulated penalty in the amount of FIVE
HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500) for each day after that performance was due until the date
of correction of the noncompliance. Stipulated penalties for failure to submit the SEP
Completion Report shall begin to accrue on the day after the report is due, and shall
continue to accrue through the final day of EPA's receipt of this document.
Notwithstanding the penalty amounts described in this paragraph, the total stipulated
penalty paid by Respondent pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed EIGHTY-TWO
THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($82,500).
70. If Respondent demonstrates that the SEP tasks described in Paragraph 59 were
completed, but Respondent incurs less than 90 percent of the costs required to be incurred
pursuant to Paragraph 59 for the tasks described in Paragraph 59, Respondent shall pay a
stipulated penalty to the United States that is the difference between FIFTY-FIVE
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($55,000) and the actual costs incurred by Respondent toward
completion of the tasks described in Paragraph 59.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
71. If Respondent fails to demonstrate that the SEP tasks in Section I were completed, but
EPA determines that the Respondent: (i) made good faith and timely efforts to complete
these tasks; and (ii) certifies, with supporting documentation, that at least 90 percent of
the costs that were required to be incurred pursuant to Section I were incurred for the SEP
tasks described in Section I Respondent shall not be liable for any stipulated penalty
under this paragraph.
72. For failure to submit the SEP Completion Report required by Section I, Respondent shall
pay a stipulated penalty in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500) for each
day after the date the SEP Completion Report was due until it is submitted. Stipulated
penalties for failure to submit the SEP Completion Report shall begin to accrue on the
day after the report is due, and shall continue to accrue through the final day of EP A's
receipt of this document. Notwithstanding the penalty amounts described in this
paragraph, the total stipulated penalty paid by Respondent pursuant to this paragraph
shall not exceed EIGHTY~TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($82,500) ..
73. Nothing herein shall prevent the simultaneous accrual of separate penalties for separate
violations.
74. All penalties owed to EPA under this Section shall be due within thirty (30) days of
receipt of a notification of noncompliance. Such notification shall describe the
noncompliance and shall indicate the amount of penalties due. Interest at the current rate
published by the United States Treasury, as described at 40 C.F.R. § 13.11, shall begin to
accrue on the unpaid balance at the end of the thirty-day period.
75. All penalties shall be remitted in the same manner described in Section H.
76. The payment of stipulated penalties shall not alter in any way Respondent's obligation to
complete the performance required hereunder.
77. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, EPA may, in its unreviewable
discretion, waive any portion of stipulated penalties that have accrued pursuant to this
CAIFO.
78. The stipulated penalties set forth in this Section do not preclude EPA from pursuing any
other remedies or sanctions that may be available to EPA because of Respondent's failure
to comply with any of the requirements of this CA/FO.
79. The payment of stipulated penalties specified in the Section shall not be deducted by
Respondent or any other person or entity for federal, state or local taxation purposes.
K. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
80. In executing this CA/FO, Respondent certifies under penalty of law to EPA that it has
fully complied with Section 3008 of RCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6928, and its implementing
regulations that formed the basis for the violations alleged in Section D, above, and that it
has completed the following tasks:
81. This certification of compliance is based upon true, accurate, and complete information,
which the signatory can verify personally or regarding which the signatory has inquired
of the person or persons directly responsible for gathering the information.
L. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
82. Except as addressed in this CA/FO, EPA hereby reserves all of its statutory and
regulatory powers, authorities, rights and remedies, both legal and equitable, including
the right to require that Respondent perform tasks in addition to those required by this
CA/FO. EPA further reserv~s all of its statutory and regulatory powers, authorities, rights
and remedies, both legal and equitable, which may pertain to Respondent's failure to
comply with any of the requirements of this CA/FO, including without limitation, the
assessment of penalties under Section 3008 ofRCRA, 42 U.S.C. § 6928. This CA/FO
shall not be construed as a covenant not to sue, release, waiver or limitation of any rights,
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
remedies, powers or authorities, civil or criminal, which EPA has under RCRA, or any
other statutory, regulatory or common law enforcement authority of the United States.
83. Compliance by Respondent with the terms of this CA/FO shall not relieve Respondent of
its obligations to comply with RCRA or any other applicable local, State or federal laws
and regulations.
84. The entry of this CA/FO and Respondent's consent to comply shall not limit or otherwise
preclude EPA from taking additional enforcement actions should EPA determine that
such actions are warranted except as they relate to Respondent's liability for federal civil
penalties for the alleged violations and facts as set forth in Section D of this CA/FO.
85. This CA/FO is not intended to be nor shall it be construed as a permit. This CA/FO does
not relieve Respondent of any obligation to obtain and comply with any local, State or
federal permits.
M. OTHER CLAIMS
86. Nothing in this CA/FO shall constitute or be construed as a release from any other claim,
cause of action or demand in law or equity by or against any person, firm, partnership,
entity or corporation for any liability it may have arising out of or relating in any way to
the generation, storage, treatment, handling, transportation, release, or disposal of any
hazardous constituents, hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, pollutants, or
contaminants found at, taken to, or taken from the Facility.
N. MISCELLANEOUS
87. This CA/FO may be amended or modified only by written agreement executed by both
EPA and Respondent.
88. The headings in this CA/FO are for convenience ofreference only and shall not affect
interpretation of this CA/FO.
89. Each party to this action shall bear its own costs and attorneys' fees.
90. EPA and Respondent consent to entry of this CA/FO without further notice.
0. EFFECTIVE DATE
91. In accordance with 40 C.F.R. §§ 22.18(b)(3) and 22.31(b), this CA/FO shall be effective
on the date that the Final Order contained in this CA/FO, having been approved and
issued by the Regional Judicial Officer, is filed with the Regional Hearing Clerk.
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In the Matter of Tesla, Inc.
Consent Agreement and Final Order
IT IS SO AGREED.
Tesla Inc.,
Attn: Legal Department
Yesenia Villasenor
901 Page
Fremont, California 94538
16
FINAL ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this Consent Agreement and Final Order pursuant to 40 C.F.R.
Sections 22.13 and 22.18 (U.S. EPA Docket No. RCRA (3008)-09-2019-00 2-,C)p be entered and
that Respondent pay a civil penalty of THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($31,000), due
within thirty (30) days from the Effective Date of this Consent Agreement and Final Order, and
implement the Supplemental Environmental Project described in Section I of this CA/FO, in
accordance with all terms and conditions of this CA/FO.
This Final Order shall be effective upon filing by the Regional Hearing Clerk.
I hereby certify that the original and a copy of the foregoing Consent Agreement and Final
Order in the matter of Tesla, Inc - California with Docket# RCRA(3008)-09-2019- oo?-...9 has
been filed with the Regional Hearing Clerk, Region 9, and a copy was sent:
Rebecca Sugerman
Office of Regional Counsel
U.S. EPA, Region 9, ORC-3-1
75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
fL,._z &,2..P 19
Date Steven Armsey ,<
Acting Regional Hearing Cle
Office of Regional Counsel, Region 9