EPA v. BI-QEM

Case summary

On March 8, 2022, EPA issued an administrative compliance order (AO) under the Clean Air Act to BI-QEM Inc., a company that manufactures resins and plastics at its facility in Florence, Massachusetts. BI-QEM Inc. is subject to risk management planning (RMP) regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act because the company uses large quantities of formaldehyde in its process. Formaldehyde is both toxic and flammable. An EPA and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) inspection of the facility in February 2022 found, among other things, leaking formaldehyde pipes, excessive amounts of potentially combustible dust, electrical hazards, and lack of overflow controls on a large formaldehyde tank. The AO requires the company to develop and implement a work plan to address the RMP violations found at the facility. Although EPA implements the RMP regulations directly, EPA has been working closely with MA DEP, OSHA, and the local fire department to address hazards found at this site.

Defendants (1)

• BI-QEM Inc.Named 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)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BI-QEMentered 2022-03-08

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2022-03-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2022-03-08Final Order Issued
• 2022-03-22Enforcement Action Data Entered