EPA v. BAKELITE LLC

Case summary

CONSENT AGREEMENT FINAL ORDER: 08/13/2026 This is an administrative penalty assessment proceeding brought under Section 109 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9609 (CERCLA), and Sections 22.13(b) and 22.18 of the Consolidated Rules of Practice Governing the Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties and the Revocation/Termination or Suspension of Permits (Consolidated Rules), as codified at Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Part 22. Respondent is Bakelite LLC (Respondent), a corporation doing business in the State of North Carolina. This proceeding pertains to Respondent's facility located at 333 Neils Eddy Road, Riegelwood, North Carolina 28456 (Facility). On February 2, 2024, a release of formaldehyde above the RQ under CERCLA occurred at the Facility. Respondent notified the NRC of the February 2, 2024, release of formaldehyde at the Facility but not immediately as soon as Respondent had knowledge of the release of formaldehyde in an amount equal to or greater than its RQ at Respondent's Facility. Respondent violated the notification requirements of Section 103(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9603(a), and the applicable regulation, 40 C.F.R. 302.6, by failing to immediately notify the NRC as soon as Respondent had knowledge of the February 2, 2024 release of formaldehyde in an amount equal to or greater than its RQ at Respondent's Facility and is therefore subject to the assessment of penalties under Section 109 of the CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9609. Respondent agrees to a civil penalty in the amount of $16,349 ( Assessed Penalty ), to be paid within thirty (30) calendar days after the Effective Date of this CAFO.

Defendants (1)

• BAKELITE LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (4)

• BAKELITE LLC

  333 NEILS EDDY ROAD, RIEGELWOOD, NC, 28456

  Registry ID: 110000350352

• BAKELITE LLC

  333 NEILS EDDY ROAD, RIEGELWOOD, NC, 28456

  Registry ID: 110000350352

• BAKELITE LLC

  333 NEILS EDDY ROAD, RIEGELWOOD, NC, 28456

  Registry ID: 110000350352

• BAKELITE LLC

  333 NEILS EDDY ROAD, RIEGELWOOD, NC, 28456

  Registry ID: 110000350352

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 103A — Notification of Hazardous Reportable Quantity Release

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• BAKELITE LLCentered 2026-08-13

  Primary law: CERCLA

  Federal penalty: $16,349

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2026-08-13Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2026-08-13Final Order Issued
• 2026-09-08Enforcement Action Data Entered