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EPA cites Lanxess for violations

Release Date: 06/13/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, [email protected]

CHICAGO (June 13, 2006) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Lanxess Chemical Corp. for alleged air violations at the company’s plastics manufacturing plant at 356 Three Rivers Parkway, Addyston, Ohio. It has also requested more information about water discharges from the plant and ordered it to comply with its wastewater discharge permit.

EPA alleges that Lanxess failed to comply with chemical piping system leak prevention and inspection requirements. In addition, EPA said Lanxess is not meeting the level of control required by its air emissions permits at its flare which has resulted in excessive emissions of butadiene, a hazardous air pollutant. A flare is a control device on a stack that burns hazardous materials to prevent their release into the environment.

An information request and order issued at the same time requires the company to provide detailed information about substances contained in wastewater it discharges to the Ohio River, Muddy Creek and Crystal Creek and to tell EPA what steps it has taken, or will take, to comply with its wastewater discharge permit.

The alleged violations were discovered during an EPA onsite inspection and subsequent data collection.

“EPA’s mission is to protect public health and the environment,” said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. “We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act.”

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Lanxess has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

An EPA health assessment has concluded that inhaling butadiene may cause cancer in humans.