Eastman Chemical Pays the Price with $2.4M Fine for Pollution in Western Pennsylvania

US: Synthomer Jefferson Hills, LLC, the supplier is a global leader in providing high-performance, specialized chemicals that are utilized in critical sectors like coatings, construction, adhesives, and healthcare. The current owner and operator of a 56-acre manufacturing site in West Elizabeth, Allegheny County, will pay a $2.4 million fine for violations of federal environmental laws that allegedly resulted in pollution of the Monongahela River and unpermitted discharges of oil. The fine will be split between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the US EPA, as per a proposed consent decree that has been lodged in federal court in Pittsburgh. These violations were reported to have occurred since 2017.

According to the Consent Decree, Synthomer will be held responsible for meeting all environmental regulations in the future. However, the implementation of this agreement is not expected to significantly affect Eastman's financial status, operating outcomes, or cash flow. EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz emphasized in a statement that companies cannot disregard their responsibility to comply with environmental laws, as they play a vital role in protecting the health and environment of communities. The settlement necessitates certain actions from companies to ensure that the facility operates in a manner that preserves environmental resources and promotes the well-being of nearby communities.

As per the state constitution, every individual residing in Pennsylvania is entitled to the fundamental right of accessing uncontaminated air and water. It is our steadfast commitment to ensure that any infringement upon this right by polluters will be met with strict accountability measures. Synthomer has made a commitment to take preventative measures as part of a settlement. These measures will ensure that no further infractions occur in the future and will involve conducting a comprehensive investigation into stormwater discharges and groundwater contamination at the site.

According to a statement released by the EPA, Eastman has committed Clean Water Act violations by exceeding the allowable discharge limits of pollutants such as zinc and xylene. Furthermore, the EPA complaint claims that Eastman did not comply with hazardous waste labelling requirements, maintain securely closed containers of hazardous waste, and prevent any unintended discharge of hazardous waste or its constituents within their facility.

As per the consent decree documents, the EPA conducted an inspection in 2018 and discovered leaks and spills of various resins and chemicals, including styrene, at the site. Throughout the inspection, investigators noted a potent chemical odor emanating from a staircase covered in a dense, adhesive, semi-liquid substance, cracks present in a containment area, and a hazardous waste spill in close proximity to a pipe. The penalty will be shared equally between the federal and state agencies. The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and must be approved by the federal court.