The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced an Illinois-based containerboard manufacturer has been ordered to pay $2.5 for violating the Clean Air Act.
According to a Sept. 29 EPA news release, Packaging Corporation of America has agreed to pay $2.5 million in civil fines to settle claims that its DeRidder, La., containerboard production mill violated the General Duty Clause and Risk Management Program Regulations of the Clean Air Act.
“This case demonstrates the tragic impacts to human life and the environment that can result from failures to follow appropriate chemical accident prevention and preparation requirements,” Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Larry Starfield said in the news release. “This settlement both holds the Packaging Corporation of America accountable for failures that contributed to this accident and sends a clear message to corporations across the country on the importance of implementing appropriate chemical safety measures.”
According to the complaint, a deadly explosion and accidental toxic release at the DeRidder mill Feb 8, 2017, caused nine Clean Air Act violations, the release reported. The explosion, which killed three workers and injured seven others, caused significant property damage and the release of extremely hazardous substances into the environment.
An investigation into the fatal incident uncovered additional Clean Air Act violations, according to the release.
“This settlement holds Packaging Corporation of America accountable for the harm it has caused to the environment and to the individuals who lost their lives Feb. 8, 2017,” EPA Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance said in the release. “Legal action will be pursued for companies who fail to safeguard their workers’ well-being. We offer our condolences for all individuals affected by this tragedy.”
