EPA v. RYNEL INC

Case summary

On September 27, 2012 Region 1 issued an Administrative Penalty Order (“APO”) against a specialty polyurethane foam manufacturer in Wiscasset, ME for failing to submit a Risk Management Plan (RMP) required under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. Seeking $99,600 in civil penalty, the APO alleges that Rynel, Inc. failed to submit a Program 1 RMP before storing and using toluene diisocyanates in its foam making process, in violation of Clean Air Act Section 112(r) and the chemical release prevention regulations. Toluene diisocyanates are dangerous chemicals that produce toxic fumes which cause respiratory problems through inhalation. These chemicals are also highly water reactive and closed containers of toluene diisocyanates may forcibly rupture under extreme heat or when contents have been contaminated with water. RMP information helps facility personnel and emergency responders prevent, and if necessary, respond to chemical accidents.

Defendants (1)

• RYNEL INCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• RYNEL INC

  11 TWIN RIVERS ROAD, WISCASSET, ME, 04578-4943

  Registry ID: 110035441741

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• RYNEL INCentered 2012-11-30

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $26,000

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2012-06-05Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2012-09-27Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2012-11-30Final Order Issued