|
May 10, 2000
Vol. 30, No. 138
For more information, contact Nancy E. Terranova, program manager,
Air Quality Management, 302-323-4542 or Don White, Information and Education,
302-739-4506.
Reichhold Assessed $123,000 Penalty
for Air Pollution Violations
Reichhold, Inc.was issued a Notice of Administrative Penalty Assessment
and Order with a penalty of $123,000 yesterday by Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale.
The Order was issued for violations of Delaware's Regulations Governing
the Control of Air Pollution.
Reichhold owns and operates a manufacturing facility located near
Cheswold where it produces latex and polyvinyl acetate for sale to other
manufacturers.
The Department determined that Reichhold was in violation by causing
or contributing to the discharge of excessive air contaminants; by failing
to comply with leak detection and repair requirements; and by failing
to submit an application to amend a permit in the required time frame.
The findings of facts, cite the following:
- On Nov. 3, 1998, an over-pressurized reactor resulted in a release
of approximately 500 pounds of butadiene into ambient air. The release
was well in excess of the 6.6 pounds per hour of butadiene allowed
by Reichhold's air permit. Butadiene is a volatile organic compound
("VOC") and a hazardous air pollutant. VOCs are a precursor
in the formation of ozone, and Reihhold is located in a non-attainment
area for ozone;
- On Jan. 5, 1999 an estimated 90 pounds of acrylonitrile, a VOC
and hazardous air pollutant, was released to the air;
- On Oct. 30, 1999 there was a release of styrene vapors which exceeded
the facility's permitted level. Styrene is a VOC and hazardous air
pollutant that is an ozone precursor.
- An inspection on Dec. 5, 1999 revealed deficiencies in leak monitoring
processes.
- In addition the Department determined that Reichhold failed to
submit a timely application to amend one of its permits.
"Based on this series of violations, it would appear that Reichhold
is not giving adequate attention to maintaining its operations in compliance
with the environmental requirements that apply to its facility,"
said Department Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale. "This penalty
action is intended to convey to Reichhold our concerns about its environmental
performance."
Reichhold may, within thirty days, request a public hearing to appeal
the Order.
-30-
Document no. 40-01/00/05/12
|
