Kugler Oil fined $119K for chemical accident prevention violations at Nebraska facility
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached an agreement with Kugler Oil Company to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical accident prevention provisions. The company’s fertilizer manufacturing facility in Culbertson, Nebraska, manufactures, stores, sells, and distributes anhydrous ammonia. According to the EPA, the plant failed to comply with regulations intended to protect workers and the surrounding community from accidental releases of the toxic substance.
The EPA conducted an inspection in August 2023 during which it learned that Kugler Oil Company:
- Failed to abide by chemical accident prevention regulations
- Failed to develop a Risk Management Plan
- Did not properly coordinate with first responders
- Did not develop written operating procedures for temporary or emergency operations
Following the inspection, the company made sure to take the necessary steps to return its facility to full compliance, but Kugler Oil Company will still have to pay $119,000 in civil penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad said, “Compliance with Clean Air Act chemical accident prevention provisions saves lives. These enforcement actions protect communities and level the playing field with businesses who are following the rules.”
EPA in the news
Sugar processor violates Clean Water Act by discharging raw sugar into the Carquinez Strait
The discharge occurred when the plant received raw cane sugar from ships that dock at the facility.
Cardboard manufacturer to correct Clean Air Act violations or face $120K in daily fines
The EPA investigation began after nearby residents complained about black smoke coming from the facility.
Borealis Compounds pays $450K for violating chemical safety requirements at New Jersey facility
According to the EPA, the company’s facility in Port Murray, New Jersey, violated the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act
Cardboard manufacturer to correct Clean Air Act violations or face $120K in daily fines
The EPA investigation began after nearby residents complained about black smoke coming from the facility.
PennEnergy Resources fined $2M for failing to capture and control air emissions
PennEnergy must implement projects to assess, modify and improve monitoring and maintenance of vapor control systems.
Grimmel Industries to pay $43K to resolve Clean Air Act violations at its metal shredding facility in Maine
The company’s scrap metal shredding facility in Topsham, Maine, failed to have the correct air emissions license for its shredder.