Thatcher Chemical to pay penalty and reduce air emissions for failing to implement risk management program (Utah)
Company to improve accident prevention and preparedness; invest $169K in emissions controls
Contact Information: Cheryl Turcotte, (303) 312-6210; Matthew Allen, (303) 312-6085
(Denver, Colo--, January 20, 2011) Salt Lake City-based Thatcher Chemical Company (Thatcher), has agreed to settle a series of alleged violations of the Clean Air Act for $181,428. This includes a $12,500 civil penalty and installation of air emissions control equipment at a cost of $168,928. This equipment will reduce air emissions at the company’s Salt Lake City plant below permitted levels.
EPA conducted compliance inspections of Thatcher’s Salt Lake City facility in February and April of 2010 to assess compliance with federal risk management program regulations. The settlement requires Thatcher to implement improved maintenance and internal auditing of equipment used to store and process hazardous chemicals, as well as improving documentation of training for employees working with these chemicals
Under the Clean Air Act, operations such as Thatcher’s must develop a risk management program and submit a risk management plan to assist with emergency preparedness, chemical release prevention, and minimization of releases that occur. EPA Inspectors found that the facility had not adequately implemented those regulations.
“Companies that use chemicals and substances which pose a potential danger are responsible for having a robust risk management program in place,” said Mike Gaydosh, director of EPA’s enforcement program in Denver. “Failure to do so places the environment, employees, and the nearby community at risk.”
Thatcher, which has operations in several states, is subject to the risk management regulations because it stores large quantities of substances classified as “extremely hazardous” by EPA at its Salt Lake City plant including ammonia, chlorine, and sulfur dioxide. Failure to establish adequate programs and keep plans updated can increase the risk of accidents and reduce preparedness for emergencies.
For more information on the Clean Air Act and risk management requirements: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/caa_faqs.htm
Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.
View all Region 8 News Releases
 | You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. |
| ||||||
Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355
No comments:
Post a Comment