EPA v. BI-QEM INC

Case summary

On July 24, 2020, EPA Region 1 issued an administrative order on consent to BI-QEM Inc/Chemiplastica. to require the company to correct violations of the Clean Air Act's risk management planning (RMP) regulations at the company's plastic manufacturing facility in Florence, Mass. The company uses formaldehyde in its process. Among other things, the company had not documented compliance with recognized and generally-accepted good engineering practices or adequately maintained process equipment. For example, the company did not have adequate spill control for a large tank of formaldehyde. The order requires correction of those violations within 120 days. Also, the order also requires the company to perform a process hazard review under the General Duty Clause for conditions in its chemical storage warehouse.

Defendants (1)

• Chemiplastica Plastics PlantNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• BI-QEM INC

  238 NONOTUCK STREET, FLORENCE, MA, 01062

  Registry ID: 110000308131

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)
• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• CHEMIPLASTICA THERMOSET PLASTICS PLANTentered 2020-07-24

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2020-07-24Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2020-07-24Final Order Issued
• 2020-08-04Enforcement Action Data Entered