EPA v. AKZO NOBEL SURFACE CHEMISTRY LLC

Case summary

The facility is a surfactant chemical manufacturing facility that uses a flare to control volatile organic compound and hazardous air pollutant emissions from certain chemical manufacturing operations. EPA alleges that Akzo Nobel had improperly operated its flare and therefore violated certain provisions of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, including the General Provisions in Subpart A. Specifically, these standards include requirements for owners and operators to only vent gas to flare that meets a minimum heating value. Akzo Nobel had been routing vent gas to the flare below the minimum required heating value which reduced the flare's efficacy. Based on its review of the information provided by AkzoNobel, EPA proposed a penalty based on the Clean Air Act Stationary Source Penalty Policy of $35,000 along with a supplemental environmental project to replace older, diesel school buses with new, propane buses for the nearby Minooka School District #201. The value of this SEP shall be no less than $131,250. AkzoNobel has accepted the proposed penalty and SEP and has agreed to enter into a CAFO to resolve this matter.

Defendants (1)

• AKZO NOBEL SURFACE CHEMISTRY LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• NOURYON SURFACE CHEMISTRY LLC

  8005 N TABLER RD, MORRIS, IL, 60450-9184

  Registry ID: 110000547196

• NOURYON SURFACE CHEMISTRY LLC

  8005 N TABLER RD, MORRIS, IL, 60450-9184

  Registry ID: 110000547196

Statutes cited

• CAA 112 — Hazardous Air Pollutants

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• AKZO NOBEL SURFACE CHEMISTRY - APO/CAFOentered 2017-02-17

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $35,000 · SEP: $131,250

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2017-02-17Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2017-02-17Final Order Issued
• 2017-02-21Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2017-09-14Enforcement Action Closed
• 2017-09-14Air Resolved