EPA v. GAC CHEMICAL

Case summary

On September 29, 2021, EPA Region 1 entered into a Consent Agreement with GAC Chemical Corp. and General Alum New England Corp. (together, GAC), resolving violations of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at GAC's chemical manufacturing facility in Searsport, Maine. The administrative penalty case included two counts alleging violations of CAA Section 112(r)(1)'s General Duty Clause (GDC) and five counts alleging violations of the Risk Management Plan (RMP) regulations that implement CAA Section 112(r)(7). GAC handles large amount of anhydrous ammonia and sulfuric acid, among other chemicals. Under the settlement, GAC will pay a penalty of $305,000 and certify it is operating in compliance with the RMP regulations and the GDC. The CAA Section 112(r) program, which is implemented and enforced only by EPA, helps to prevent the accidental release of hazardous chemicals. EPA's national EJSCREEN mapping tool does not indicate that the Facility is located in or near an area of potential environmental justice concern.

Defendants (2)

• General Alum. of New England Corp.Named in complaintNamed in settlement
• GAC Chemical Corp.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• GAC CHEMICAL

  34 KIDDER POINT ROAD, SEARSPORT, ME, 04974

  Registry ID: 110000581549

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)

• GAC CHEMICALentered 2021-09-29

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $305,000

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2021-09-29Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2021-09-29Final Order Issued
• 2021-09-29Enforcement Action Closed
• 2021-09-30Enforcement Action Data Entered