EPA reaches agreement with Celanese on clean-air violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Celanese Ltd. on alleged clean-air violations at the company’s emulsions manufacturing plant at 1989 Old Naples Road, Meredosia, Ill.

The agreement, which includes an $87,607 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Celanese violated its state operating permit and federal and state clean-air regulations by emitting excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds at its facility.

In a related action, Celanese agreed to an EPA order to take appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate VOC emissions from various parts of the facility. The company also agreed to decommission three operating units at the Meredosia plant.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog). Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause 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 http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.