MT. STERLING, Ohio — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a detailed report citing numerous environmental violations at the WinCup facility in Mt. Sterling following an inspection conducted on December 10, 2024. The inspection focused on compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which regulates stormwater discharges associated with industrial activities.
The facility, located at 150 Fourth Avenue, specializes in producing plastic lids for commercial use. The inspection revealed significant issues related to stormwater management, pollution control, and compliance with permit regulations.
Key Violations Identified
The Ohio EPA documented several violations during the inspection, including:
- Failure to Minimize Pollution in Stormwater
Plastic pellets and regrind material were observed scattered throughout the facility’s grounds, including near silos, parking lots, lawns, and along a nearby swale that leads to surface water. During rainfall, plastic pellets were seen floating in the swale. - Improper Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The facility’s SWPPP contained outdated information, including incorrect pollution prevention team member identification. - Inadequate Control Measures and Best Management Practices (BMPs)
The facility failed to control the discharge of plastic resin pellets effectively. Prompt cleanup, sweeping, and proper disposal were not adequately implemented. - Missed Routine Inspections and Assessments
Routine facility inspections have not been conducted since May 2023, and required quarterly visual assessments of stormwater discharges have not been completed since March 2023. - Lack of Employee Training
Staff training responsible for implementing stormwater permit conditions has not occurred since May 2023. - Unreported Non-Stormwater Discharges
Water discharging sporadically from a pipe in the southwest corner of the facility raised concerns about potential unauthorized discharges. - Failure to Submit Annual Reports
The facility has not completed the required annual reports for 2023.
EPA Demands Corrective Actions
The Ohio EPA has ordered WinCup to address the violations within 30 days, including cleaning up spills, updating its SWPPP, implementing effective pollution controls, and conducting routine inspections and employee training. The facility must also investigate and report the source of the suspected non-stormwater discharge.
Failure to comply could result in administrative or civil penalties, including potential revocation of the facility’s general NPDES permit, requiring stricter individual permit coverage.
A History of Compliance Issues
This marks the third time in two years that the Ohio EPA has identified compliance issues at the WinCup facility. While the company has been responsive in addressing past concerns, the EPA noted that long-term compliance has not been sustained without intervention.
What’s Next?
WinCup has until mid-February 2025 to submit documentation detailing the corrective actions taken. The Ohio EPA has emphasized that failure to meet compliance standards may lead to further regulatory action.
The Notice of Violation and inspection report can be viewed here: ViewDocument.aspx
