Interesting case as the focus of the release was… “maintenance procedures failed to include clear instructions for detecting chlorine leaks after maintenance activities“
Respondent is the owner and operator of a facility. On August 30, 2024, there was an incident at the Facility that resulted in an accidental release of 180 pounds of chlorine (the “Incident”). On January 31, 2025, EPA requested follow-up information and Respondent provided a response on February 5, 2025, regarding the Incident and Respondent’s compliance with Section 112(r) of the CAA, 42 U.S.C. § 7412(r), and 40 C.F.R. Part 68 (the “Investigation”).
Respondent has a chlorine process at the Facility, meeting the definition of “process”, as defined by 40 C.F.R. § 68.3. Chlorine is a “regulated substance” pursuant to Section 112(r)(2)(B) of the CAA, 42 U.S.C. § 7412(r}(2)(B), and the regulation at 40 C.F.R. § 68.3. The threshold quantity for chlorine, as listed in 40 C.F.R. § 68.130 is 2,500 pounds.
Based upon the information gathered during the Investigation, EPA determined that Respondent violated a provision of the CAA.