The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Nalco Production LLC and Nalco Co. LLC over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. The companies, which produce polymer blend chemicals, are based in Chicago, Illinois. They will pay a penalty of $401,300 as part of this agreement.
The EPA claims that Nalco failed to follow important safety regulations designed to prevent chemical accidents. The agency pointed out that the companies did not conduct necessary hazard assessments, did not provide adequate safety information, and did not maintain proper operating procedures. They also allegedly neglected to perform regular equipment inspections and failed to create incident investigation and risk management plans.
In addition to the financial penalty, Nalco has agreed to take corrective actions. These include inspecting their ventilation systems and pressure relief valves, adding more sensors for safety, and improving their record-keeping practices. They will also update training materials for their maintenance staff and revise their procedures for investigating incidents.
This settlement underscores the importance of safety standards in the chemical manufacturing industry. The EPA continues to emphasize that companies must adhere to regulations to protect both workers and the community from potential hazards.