EPA v. Sasol Chemicals-Westlake, LA-RMP AOC-FY2020
Final Order No Penalty
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 AOC-FY2020entered 2020-07-09
Primary law: CAA
Timeline (6 milestones)
- 2020-07-08Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
- 2020-07-09Final Order Issued
- 2020-07-14Enforcement Action Data Entered
- 2020-12-01Compliance Achieved
- 2020-12-01Air Resolved
- 2020-12-07Enforcement Action Closed
Case metadata
- EPA activity ID
- 3602237329
- Case number
- 06-2020-3340
- Lead agency
- EPA
- Branch
- ECDAC
- EPA region
- 06
- Voluntary self-disclosure
- No
- Primary statute
- Prevention of Accidental Release/Risk Management Plans (RMPs)
Sourced verbatim from EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Report for case 06-2020-3340 . Bulk data: ICIS-FEC download summary.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.