EPA RMP Citations @ polyethylene container manufacturing plant using Tube Trailers (Fluorine and $78K)

This case is significant as it involved a facility that used the detatched “transport trailer” as their storage tank.  The trailer was a 8-tube “tube trailer” which was parked at the site, the tractor detached, and connected to the “process”.  EPA conducted an inspection on December 17, 2012, to determine compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA, and the Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions at 40 C.F.R. Part 68. The facility handled and/or stored fluorine, Chemical Abstracts Service (“CAS”) Number 7782-41-4. Fluorine is a listed toxic substance at 40 C.F.R. § 68.130. The facility produced blow-molded, in-line fluorinated, high density polyethylene containers using concentrated fluorine. A mixture of 20% fluorine and 80% nitrogen is diluted further, and then delivered to mold machines to create a barrier on the bottle surface to minimize permeation through the plastic. The fluorine-nitrogen mixture is stored in eight tubes on a tube trailer, with each tube containing 1,800 pounds. The entire weight of the fluorine-nitrogen mixture in each of the tubes, 1,800 pounds, constitutes a regulated substance under Part 68, pursuant to 40 C.F.R. § 68.115(b). The inspection and documents received after the inspection revealed a number of concerns at the facility:

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here
Scroll to Top