Ohio Petrochemicals Company to Pay $1.1 Million for Clean Air Act Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a settlement with Altivia Petrochemicals LLC for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its petrochemical manufacturing facility in Haverhill, Ohio. The company will pay a $1,112,500 civil penalty, improve leak detection and repair work practices. Emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as phenol, from leaking equipment impact the environment and may cause serious health effects including anorexia, vertigo, and blood and liver effects.

According to the seven-count complaint, filed on October 5, 2021, in the Southern District of Ohio, Altivia allegedly violated CAA requirements to monitor and repair leaking equipment, demonstrate compliance with regulations applicable to chemical plants and control HAP emissions from equipment as required.

In addition to paying a penalty, Altivia will implement a comprehensive program to reduce emissions of HAPs from leaking equipment such as valves and connectors. These emissions, known as “fugitive” emissions because they are not discharged from a stack, but rather leak directly from equipment, are generally controlled through work practices, like monitoring and repairing leaks. The settlement requires Altivia to implement enhanced work practices, including more frequent leak monitoring, better repair practices and innovative new efforts designed to prevent leaks.

Source: EPA

Topics Ohio