Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a compliance agreement with the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) to address claims of Clean Air Act violations at its bulk chlorine storage site in Saipan. Under this agreement, CUC is required to meet specific requirements within one year, including updating the facility’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) and addressing all areas of concern identified through prior EPA inspections.
“The CUC needs improvements in its plan for managing potential chemical accidents, to both prevent dangerous chlorine releases and – should an accident happen – be in a position to effectively respond,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Today’s action will safeguard public health, protecting nearby residents and businesses against potential releases of a very dangerous chemical.”
The storage site was constructed in 2018 following a 2009 Stipulated Order to ensure CUC’s wastewater and drinking water systems complied with the Clean Water Act. The facility stores over 2,500 pounds of chlorine gas in 150-lb metal cylinders used for water treatment. Facilities storing 2,500 pounds or more of chlorine must comply with Risk Management Program requirements.
EPA conducted two inspections, one in 2021 and another in 2023, identifying several areas of concern. These included failure to:
- Register the new storage site’s Risk Management Plan (RMP) with EPA and update the plan once operational.
- Maintain the storage site adequately, ensuring effective cooling for proper chlorine storage and installing sealed doors to secure chlorine during an accidental release.
- Train personnel on proper use of chlorine emergency kits and coordinate emergency response with local responders.
- Calibrate and fix chlorine sensors.
- Test effectiveness of scrubber media used to filter chlorine during an accidental release.
Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act mandates development and implementation of RMPs to manage risks from accidental releases of regulated toxic substances like chlorine. Chlorine is widely used for producing various products and water disinfection but poses significant health risks upon exposure.
Legally mandated RMPs must identify potential effects of chemical accidents, steps taken by facilities to prevent accidents, and emergency response procedures. These plans also provide valuable information to local emergency response personnel for preparing and responding to chemical emergencies within their communities.
Further information on the Clean Air Act Section 112(r) Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule can be found on EPA's website.
