3 Louisiana facilities pay nearly $1.5M in penalties for Clean Air Act violations
Three Louisiana facilities have settled alleged violations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the agency, the companies violated the Clean Air Act, with specific allegations including:
- Unauthorized emissions of chemicals
- Violations of startup/shutdown/malfunction requirements
- Disregarding requirements of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
As part of its agreement with the EPA, the DuPont Pontchartrain Works petrochemical facility in LaPlace will pay a civil penalty of $480,000. The company was cited for unauthorized emissions above the allowed limit at a benzene storage tank, and failure to comply with regulatory requirements for an open-ended line. To rectify the situation, the facility must:
- Install advanced equipment on its benzene storage tank
- Improve monitoring using EPA Method 21 and Optical Gas Imaging
- Conduct a third-party audit of all conservation or emergency vents storing benzene or Group 1 liquids
- Keep up with required recordkeeping, reporting, and permits
Vopak’s for-hire bulk storage terminal in Hahnville will pay $168,000 in civil penalties for unauthorized emissions from external floating roof tanks identified using EPA’s geospatial measurement of air pollution (“GMAP”) technology. As part of the settlement, the facility, which stores raw materials, product, and benzene-containing wastewater from an adjacent facility, must:
- Conduct quarterly inspections of each floating roof tank, including rim seals
- Submit to a permit and operations review conducted by an independent third-party auditor
- Complete site-specific corrective actions
Finally, Westlake Chemical (formerly Axiall) in Lake Charles will pay a civil penalty of $825,000 to settle with the EPA. The company, which failed to meet startup, shutdown, and malfunction requirements and experienced unauthorized emissions, will have to:
- Submit a performance testing plan and conduct an additional performance test of its two thermal oxidizers
- Submit a list of all pressure relief devices used for hazardous air pollutants
- Conduct audio, visual and, olfactory monitoring of these devices for ten months
- Ensure its startup/shut down/malfunction plan complies with all regulatory and permit requirements
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance said, “Many communities in Southern Louisiana live with a daily burden of pollution that would be unimaginable in other areas. EPA worked directly with these residents and used a variety of tools to assess potential violations from permitted facilities. These legal settlements hold the facilities accountable and will prevent future excess emissions from affecting nearby residents.”
EPA in the news
Parker Hannifin pays $366K after EPA inspection finds hazardous waste violations
The EPA inspected the company’s Enumclaw, Washington, facility and uncovered over 12 violations.
Roquette fined $207K for violating the Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions
Roquette, which stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, did not comply with regulations that are designed to protect neighboring communities from potential accidental releases.
Venoil to pay $58K for violating the Clean Water Act
Venoil was not properly testing or inspecting its tanks and facilities for leaks and spills.
Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act
Roquette fined $207K for violating the Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions
Roquette, which stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, did not comply with regulations that are designed to protect neighboring communities from potential accidental releases.
Intalco Aluminum fined $5.25 million for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air
The company failed to maintain and operate air pollution control systems at various times from 2017 to 2020.
Marathon to pay $64.5 million, the largest penalty ever for violations of the Clean Air Act
The company settled with the EPA and DOJ and agreed to implement compliance measures to reduce harmful emissions.