EPA v. Sasol Chemicals-Westlake, LA-RMP CAFO-FY2020

Case summary

In July 2019 during a unit start up, the rubber seal on the ethane coalescer failed, resulting in an unignited release of ethane to the atmosphere. The direct causes leading to the accidental release include rubber seal failure due to improper installation and integrity testing with service fluid (ethane) rather than inert fluid (nitrogen). Respondent failed to properly install the rubber seal per manufacturer?s installation procedures, a violation of 40 CFR 68.69(a), Operating Procedures.

Defendants (1)

• Sasol Chemicals USA LLCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (4)

• SASOL CHEMICALS (USA) LLC - LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL COMPLEX

  2201 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, WESTLAKE, LA, 70669

  Registry ID: 110017418061

• SASOL CHEMICALS (USA) LLC - LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL COMPLEX

  2201 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, WESTLAKE, LA, 70669

  Registry ID: 110017418061

• SASOL CHEMICALS (USA) LLC - LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL COMPLEX

  2201 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, WESTLAKE, LA, 70669

  Registry ID: 110017418061

• SASOL CHEMICALS (USA) LLC - LAKE CHARLES CHEMICAL COMPLEX

  2201 OLD SPANISH TRAIL, WESTLAKE, LA, 70669

  Registry ID: 110017418061

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Sasol Chemicals-Westlake, LA-RMP CAFO-FY2020entered 2020-07-13

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $38,000

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2020-07-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2020-07-13Final Order Issued
• 2020-07-14Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2020-08-31Compliance Achieved
• 2020-08-31Air Resolved
• 2020-09-15Enforcement Action Closed