Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) with International-Matex Tank Terminals LLC (IMTT). Under the CAFO, IMTT is required to pay a civil penalty of $23,568 to EPA Region 6 within 30 days of receiving the order. Additionally, IMTT has committed to performing a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) valued at $150,000 aimed at reducing annual air emissions and mitigating unsafe pressure build-up in its storage tanks.
"Our society expects companies to take chemical accident prevention requirements seriously, and when they don’t, EPA will hold them accountable," said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. "Not only is IMTT taking the steps needed to comply with the law and pay a penalty, they also agreed to implement a project that will reduce air emissions and the overall risk to the community."
An on-site inspection by EPA identified several violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA), including failure to identify hazards from accidental releases using appropriate hazard assessment techniques. The respondent did not conduct proper hazard assessments such as internal, external, or ultrasonic testing on equipment to detect deficiencies and failed to develop and maintain safe work practices during operations. As part of the settlement, IMTT must correct these violations in addition to paying the civil penalty.
As part of their SEP commitment, IMTT will install 15 Varec Model 221 Emergency Pressure Relief Manway Covers on various roof storage tanks. This installation aims to reduce IMTT’s annual air emissions by four percent and lower public health risks by preventing unsafe pressure build-ups inside the tanks. The total cost for these installations amounts to $150,000.
EPA promotes SEPs in enforcement settlements as they offer tangible environmental or public health benefits for communities affected by violations.
For more information on SEPs or details about the Clean Air Act’s accident prevention provisions, please visit EPA's official webpages.
Connect with EPA Region 6 on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter), or visit their homepage.
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