Region 10 Settles with Starbucks Corporation (Kent, WA) for EPCRA 312 Violations
On August 31, 2020, Region 10 settled with Starbucks Corporation (Kent, WA) for violations of
Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) for failing to file
its annual Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Report for two facilities during the 2017 and 2018
reporting years. Both facilities stored hazardous chemicals, including one extremely hazardous
substance. EPCRA Section 312 requires companies to file hazardous chemical inventory report forms
with the State Emergency Response Commission, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the
local Fire Department each year by March 1st. The circumstances of the violation indicate that the
potential for the surrounding community to be at-risk of exposure in the event of a release was higher
given the proximity of the surrounding community to both facilities. Both facilities had previously
submitted Tier II reports for local emergency planners and first responders should have the knowledge
of the chemicals onsite but would not have the most current information if a release occurred. The
company was very cooperative during settlement discussion and has since implemented a nation-wide
training program in efforts to prevent continued noncompliance. In addition, the company agreed to pay
a penalty of $100,000.