EPA v. RHONE-POULENC

Case summary

THIS ORDER IS ISSUED TO RHONE-POULENC AND ITS SUBSIDIARY RHODIA, INC. TO PROTECT HEALTH AND/OR THE ENVIRONMENT. BASED ON INFORMATION RECEIVED, EPA HAS DETERMINED THAT RESPONDENT'S HANDLING OF SOLID WASTE AT THE SILVER BOW FACILITY MAY PRESENT AN IMMINENT AND SUBSTANTIAL ENDANGER- MENT TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. AT AN INSPECTION ON 5/1-4/2000, EPA OBSERVED AT 100' DIAMETER, OPEN-TOPPED INGROUND TANK CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 500,000 GALLONS OF SLUDGE AND A CAP OF SEVERAL FEET OF WATER. RESPONDENTS STATED THAT THE SLUDGE IS A PHOSPHOROUS SLUDGE AND THE WATER CAP IS USED TO PREVENT THE SLUDGE FROM CONTACTING AIR. PHOSPHORUS, WHEN COMBINED WITH WATER, REACTS TO FORM PHOSPHINE GAS, WHICH CAN BE A SEVERE HEALTH HAZARD WHEN INHALED. PHOSPHINE IS ALSO CONSIDERED HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MAY SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST IN THE AIR.

Defendants (2)

• RHODIA, INC.Named in complaintNamed in settlement
• RHONE-POULENCNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (2)

• RHODIA INC./RHONE POULENC CHEMICAL CO

  119130 GERMAN GULCH ROAD, RAMSEY, MT, 59750

  Registry ID: 110000768492

• RHODIA INC./RHONE POULENC CHEMICAL CO

  119130 GERMAN GULCH ROAD, RAMSEY, MT, 59750

  Registry ID: 110000768492

Statutes cited

• RCRA 7003 — Imminent Order: Solid or Hazardous Waste

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• RHONE-POULENCentered 2000-06-02

  Primary law: RCRA

Timeline (3 milestones)

• 2000-06-02Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2000-06-02Final Order Issued
• 2000-07-24Enforcement Action Data Entered