EPA v. Westlake Vinyls Co

Case summary

On May 7, 2015, EPA Region 6 issued a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) under Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act and 40 C.F.R. Part 68-Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions and the General Duty Clause, Section 112(r)(1) to Westlake Vinyls Company. The Order addressed violations discovered during an inspection conducted March 25-28, 2013, and violations that led to the June 4, 2014, fire that occurred at the Geismar facility. The CAFO requires Westlake Vinyls Company to pay an administrative penalty of $99,100.00. Westlake Vinyls Company will have thirty (30) days from the effective date of the CAFO to pay the civil penalty.

Defendants (1)

• Westlake Vinyls CompanyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (4)

• WESTLAKE VINYLS CO LP

  36045 HWY 30, GEISMAR, LA, 70734

  Registry ID: 110000746328

• WESTLAKE VINYLS CO LP

  36045 HWY 30, GEISMAR, LA, 70734

  Registry ID: 110000746328

• WESTLAKE VINYLS CO LP

  36045 HWY 30, GEISMAR, LA, 70734

  Registry ID: 110000746328

• WESTLAKE VINYLS CO LP

  36045 HWY 30, GEISMAR, LA, 70734

  Registry ID: 110000746328

Statutes cited

• CAA 112[R][1] — Prevention of Accidental Release/General Duty Clause
• CAA 112[R][7] — Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Westlake Vinyls Coentered 2015-05-07

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $99,100

Timeline (5 milestones)

• 2015-04-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2015-05-07Final Order Issued
• 2015-05-14Enforcement Action Closed
• 2015-05-14Air Resolved
• 2015-05-21Enforcement Action Data Entered