EPA reaches agreement with Holland Terminal

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Holland Terminal Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company’s bulk petroleum distribution terminal at 630 Ottawa Ave., Holland, Mich.

The agreement, which includes a $55,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Holland Terminal violated Michigan’s plan for implementing the Clean Air Act by, in part, failing to maintain and operate its air pollution control system in a satisfactory manner.

As part of the settlement, the company must increase the frequency of tank inspections from monthly to weekly in the non-winter months. EPA estimates this action, in addition to the fact that Holland Terminal replaced a number of its tank components, will result in a potential emission reduction of some 60 tons of volatile organic compounds per year.

In addition, Holland Terminal revised its plan for addressing any malfunctions that could occur at the facility.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog). Smog is formed when a mixture of air pollutants is baked in the summer sun. Smog can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.

Information about EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.