EPA v. Dow Chemical-Plaquemine,LA-RMP CAFO-FY2021

Case summary

On November 3, 2019, a glycol production unit experienced a release of ethylene oxide, which resulted from a ruptured vessel. 40 CFR 68.69(a)(l)(vii) requires the owner or operator to develop and implement written operating procedures that provide clear instructions for safely conducting activities involved in each covered process consistent with the process safety information. Respondent's effort to control the pressure in the affected vessel by manually opening an automatic valve burst the vessel, was the cause of the release and a violation of 68.69(a)(l)(vii).

Defendants (1)

• Dow Chemical CompanyNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (60)

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY - LOUISIANA OPERATIONS

  21255 HWY 1, PLAQUEMINE, LA, 70765

  Registry ID: 110001244724

• …and 45 more

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)

• Dow Chemical-Plaquemine,LA-RMP CAFO-FY2021entered 2020-10-19

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $38,500

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2020-10-14Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2020-10-19Final Order Issued
• 2020-10-20Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2020-11-12Compliance Achieved
• 2020-11-12Air Resolved
• 2022-06-08Enforcement Action Closed