EPA v. ABBOTT LABS - N. CHICAGO PLANT

Case summary

U.S. EPA issued an FOV to Abbott on December 22, 2004 for violations of the National Emission Standards for Organic Hazardous Air Pollutants for Equipment Leaks at 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart H (Subpart H), the Pharma-MACT, and Method 21. As of October 21, 2002, certain areas at Abbott's North Chicago plant have been subject to the Pharma-MACT, including the LDAR Provisions stated within the rule. Prior to this date, these areas were subject to the LDAR Provisions of Subpart H. Specifically, in the FOV, Abbott was cited for failing to 1) identify equipment subject to the LDAR Provisions such that it can be distinguished from equipment that is not subject; 2) monitor all valves and connectors subject to the LDAR Provisions by October 24, 1994 and October 24, 1995, respectively, under Subpart H, and by October 21, 2003 under the Pharma-MACT; 3) monitor all valves subject to the LDAR Provisions quarterly under Subpart H; 4) check by visual inspection each calendar week all pumps and agitators subject to the LDAR Provisions; 5) monitor LDAR affected equipment per Method 21; 6) inspect vapor suppression equipment per Method 21; 7) establish the correct minimum regeneration steam flow rate for one of its carbon adsorbers per the Pharma-MACT; 8) keep the regeneration frequency of this carbon adsorber above the established minimum value; and 9) keep the pH of one of its scrubbers above the established minimum value. Per this CAFO/APO, Abbott must pay a penalty of $57,372. In addition, Abbott has agreed to reduce fugitive emissions of HAPs through an enhanced LDAR program and has agreed to reduce emissions of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases through a hybrid vehicle project. Abbott will conduct the enhanced LDAR program for two years in its LDAR affected areas, which will reduce HAPs by 69,533 lbs/yr. Abbott will also replace 27 of its Jeep Liberty Sport sales vehicles with Ford Escape Hybrids, which will reduce CO, CO2, and VOC by 810000, 9375, and 89 lbs over the life cycle of the vehicles (approx. 3 yrs).

Defendants (1)

• ABBOTT LABS - N. CHICAGO PLANTNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (6)

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

• ABBVIE INC

  1401 SHERIDAN RD, NORTH CHICAGO, IL, 60064

  Registry ID: 110041188773

Statutes cited

• CAA 112D — MACT Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• ABBOTT LABS - N. CHICAGO PLANTentered 2006-03-30

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $57,372 · SEP: $418,300

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2006-03-30Final Order Issued
• 2006-03-30Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2006-03-31Enforcement Action Data Entered