EPA v. AOC - APO/CAFO

Case summary

AOC manufactures polyester resins in styrene solution. AOC violated its FESOP by: (1) failing to operate its thermal oxidizer (TO) at or above the minimum 3-hour average temperature determined from the most recent compliant stack test for 19 days from January 12, 2014 to July 26, 2017; (2) failing to take response steps when the TO combustion fan duct pressure fell below the minimum value established during the most recent stack test on 203 days from January 1, 2015 to July 4, 2017; and (3) failing to operate the TO when one or more of its reactors was operating on at least 4 days from July 27, 2014 to May 11, 2017. To resolve the allegations in the notice and finding of violation (NOV/FOV) issued to AOC on March 9, 2018. AOC is required to: (1) operate temperature and pressure alarms to help comply with the temperature and pressure requirements of its FESOP; (2) take certain response steps when the TO temperature is too low or too high and the duct pressure is too low; and (3) connect the TO to the emergency generator to allow for almost immediate restart capability in the event of an electric utility power outage; and pay a penalty of $104,608.63.. These actions will address the violations set forth in the notice and finding of violation (NOV/FOV) issued to AOC on March 9, 2018.

Defendants (1)

• AOC - APO/CAFONamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• AOC LLC

  2552 INDUSTRIAL DR, VALPARAISO, IN, 46383-9507

  Registry ID: 110000398310

Statutes cited

• CAA 110 — Implementation Plan for National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• AOC - APO/CAFOentered 2018-09-28

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $104,609

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2018-09-28Final Order Issued
• 2018-09-28Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2018-10-01Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2018-10-19Enforcement Action Closed
• 2018-10-19Air Resolved