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Chemical Plant Recognized during Pollution Prevention Week

Release Date: 9/25/1997
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

A chemical plant has been recognized for its work in pollution prevention by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Shell Chemical Corp. of Geismar, Louisiana, was awarded a certificate of excellence during Pollution Prevention Week observances by EPA Region 6.

As Pollution Prevention Week started at the grass roots level in 1992, the third week of September has become an opportunity for government agencies, businesses and community groups to hig hlight successful programs and emphasize the importance of pollution prevention.

"Since 1970, pollution prevention efforts nationwide have reduced lead levels in our children's blood by 70 percent and cut in half toxic emissions from industries," Region 6 Acting Administrator Jerry Clifford said.

Shell's Geismar plant has reduced air emissions of ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol by more than 98 percent since 1988. More than 600 tons of these two chemicals are now being recovered instead of being released into the air.

Several methods were used to reduce emissions including increasing checks for leaks in about 8,500 components from four times a year to monthly. Also the threshold for detecting leaks was lowered from 5,000 parts per million (ppm) to 500 ppm. A one-million-dollar vapor recovery and recycle system allows the plant to reuse more than 95 percent of the ethylene oxide which was previously vented. Shell also invested $20 million to convert two cooling towers to closed systems, eliminating more than 400 tons of chemical emissions per year.

"Shell's Geismar plant is an excellent example of applying effective common sense solutions to preserve our natural resources and to protect public health. Preventing pollution makes economic sense because it preserves our natural resources and eliminates the expense and liability of pollution cleanup. I urge everyone - citizen, business leader and government official alike - to make a commitment to prevent pollution," Mr. Clifford said.