EPA v. Sasol Chemicals-Westlake,LA-RMP CAFO-FY2024

Case summary

EPA conducted a Virtual Partial Compliance Evaluation of the Facility from January 26, 2021, to July 19, 2021, to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA, 42 USC 7412(r), and 40 CFR Part 68. On January 24, 2022, the EPA sent the Respondent a Notice of Potential Violation and Opportunity to Confer letter. On June 23, 2022, the EPA met with the Respondent as a result of the opportunity to confer. On October 15, 2022, there was an incident at the Facility that resulted in an accidental release of approximately 17,598 pounds of Aluminum Triethyl. The Incident resulted in an on-site chemical fire at the Facility and a shelter-in-place for the surrounding community. On multiple occasions thereafter, the EPA requested and the Respondent provided further documentation and information concerning the Incident and compliance with Part 68. EPA determined 19 violations of Part 68.

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Sasol Chemicals-Westlake,LA-RMP CAFO-FY2024entered 2024-04-04

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $1,441,712

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2024-03-07Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2024-04-04Final Order Issued
• 2024-04-05Enforcement Action Data Entered