EPA v. Specialty Polymers, Inc.

Case summary

On November 6, 2018, Region 10 filed an expedited settlement agreement which both initiated and concluded an administrative action against Specialty Polymers, Inc. in Woodburn, Oregon for violations of CAA 112(r) Risk Management Program requirements. Respondent failed to comply with several risk management program requirements that apply to its use of vinyl acetate monomer. Most importantly, Specialty Polymers failed to have robust operating procedures for their operators to avoid process deviations and adequate information on safety systems for their operating procedures in preventing a vinyl acetate monomer release that could impact the community surrounding its facility. A plan provides important information to emergency responders and planners that include accurate chemical quantities, emergency contacts and demonstrate operation and maintenance of the vinyl acetate monomer storage process at its facility. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $14,700.

Defendants (1)

• Specialty Polymers, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• SPECIALTY POLYMERS

  2475 PROGRESS WAY, WOODBURN, OR, 97071

  Registry ID: 110000486894

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Specialty Polymers, Inc.entered 2018-11-06

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $14,700

Timeline (4 milestones)

• 2018-11-06Final Order Issued
• 2018-11-06Complaint Filed/Proposed Order
• 2018-11-18Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2018-11-28Enforcement Action Closed