EPA v. Multistar Industires, Inc.

Case summary

On June 8, 2021, a Judge in the Eastern District of Washington issued an order entering a Consent Decree resolving EPAs claims against Multistar Industries, Inc., Othello, Washington, under the risk management program requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 112(r) and 40 C.F.R. Part 68 with respect to Multistars ammonia storage and distribution process. Multistar owns and operates a chemical storage and distribution facility in Othello, Washington. The underlying complaint alleged that Multistar failed to properly design its ammonia storage and distribution system, adequately maintain inspection and testing records on certain equipment, and develop and implement written operating procedures for certain aspects of its ammonia operations consistent with industry standards. The complaint also alleged Multistar failed to promptly update deficiencies identified in required compliance audits and failed to meet requirements of a 2016 compliance order Multistar entered into with EPA. The Consent Decree requires Multistar to pay a $135,000 penalty, pay stipulated penalties if it violates the risk management program requirements at its ammonia storage and distribution facility during at least the next three years, and submit compliance records and reports to EPA on a semi-annual basis.

Defendants (1)

• Multistar Industires, Inc.Named in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MULTISTAR INDUSTRIES

  101 W FIR ST, OTHELLO, WA, 99344

  Registry ID: 110017718754

Statutes cited

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

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Multistar Industires, Inc.entered 2021-06-08

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $135,000

Timeline (6 milestones)

• 2019-09-30Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2019-10-08Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2021-04-01Complaint Filed With Court
• 2021-04-01Final Order Lodged
• 2021-06-08Final Order Entered
• 2021-06-08Concluded