EPA v. ADVANSIX RESINS & CHEMICALS, LLC (HOPEWELL PLANT)

Case summary

On February 22, 2024, EPA Region 3 issued an Administrative Compliance Order on Consent (Order) to AdvanSix Resins & Chemicals, LLC (AdvanSix), the owner and operator of a caprolactam manufacturing facility located in Hopewell, Virginia. AdvanSix is subject to Section 112(r)(7) of the CAA and the RMP Regulations because it is an owner or operator of a stationary source with more than a threshold quantity of regulated substances oleum (fuming sulfuric acid), ammonia (anhydrous), ammonia (concentration greater than 20%), acetaldehyde, and flammable mixture present in a process at the Facility. EPA alleges that AdvanSix is failing to comply certain mechanical integrity requirements at the Facility, and therefore is operating in violation of Section 112(r)(7) of the CAA and the RMP Regulations. Specifically, the Order identifies the following compliance issues: failure to properly inspect for or address corrosion deficiencies on the Facility's ammonia and oleum piping, failure to have an effective inspection or preventative maintenance program for heat tracing on the Facility's oleum equipment, failure to properly investigate cause of fuming from the Facility's oleum equipment, and failure to properly monitor or inspect the Facilty's oleum piping, involving different piping schedules, for thickness at appropriately placed conditioning monitoring locations (CMLs). The Order requires AdvanSix to retain a third-party contractor to assess the Facility's compliance with the Risk Management Program and conduct any necessary improvements to ensure compliance. The facility is located in an area of potential EJ concern. This case seeks to ensure that facilities that store extremely hazardous substances safely store their chemicals to reduce the likelihood of accidental chemical releases and the resulting potential harm to neighboring communities and the environment, which is especially important in potential EJ areas. The CAA Section 112(r) program is not delegated to Virginia, but Virginia has been notified of this action and has not raised any objections.

Defendants (1)

• ADVANSIX RESINS & CHEMICALS, LLCNamed in settlement

Facilities (8)

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

• HOPEWELL PLANT

  905 E RANDOLPH RD, HOPEWELL, VA, 23860

  Registry ID: 110000620221

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• ADVANSIX RESINS & CHEMICALS, LLC (HOPEWELL PLANT)entered 2024-02-22

  Primary law: CAA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-02-22Final Order Issued
• 2024-03-13Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2025-02-22Enforcement Action Closed