Evonik Settles with EPA on Emissions Violations and Pledges to Invest in Environmental Protection

Germany: Evonik, a major player in specialty chemicals, has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over exceeding permitted emission limits of Ethylene Oxide and Ethylene Glycol at its Reserve, La. facility. As part of the deal, Evonik will pay a fine of $75,000 and implement several measures to decrease emissions and leaks. Additionally, Evonik has committed to investing a minimum of $335,000 in a supplemental environmental project to further reduce hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) by 5.6 tons annually.

Under the Clean Air Act, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) have been classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). EtO is a colorless, flammable gas commonly used in the manufacturing of various consumer products such as laundry detergent and cleaning solutions, to ensure consumer health and safety. On the other hand, EG is a colorless liquid present in products like antifreeze, cosmetics, and ballpoint pens. If released into outdoor air, EG can take the form of a liquid spray, vapor, or mist, thus making it a potential hazard to public health and the atmosphere.

Evonik has a team of over 50 individuals at its Reserve location, responsible for producing high-quality surfactants used in a variety of applications such as cleaning products, laundry detergents, surface coatings, and agricultural purposes. These surface-active agents, commonly known as surfactants, work to lower the surface tension between two compounds, allowing them to mix seamlessly. This makes it easier to remove oil and grease stains using water and detergent. Evonik acquired the Reserve site back in 2017.

As part of their ongoing efforts to reduce emissions, Evonik reviewed their emissions calculations and discovered that they had exceeded the permitted levels. Without delay, Evonik halted the affected operations and kept them shut down from November 18, 2022, until a temporary flare was installed on February 3, 2023. A flare is a specialized combustion apparatus for burning gases and has the capability to eradicate 98% or even more of dangerous air pollutants, including EtO.

Evonik has signed an agreement to install a thermal oxidizer and a permanent flare within one year. The thermal oxidizer is a combustion device that can eliminate 99.9% or more of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions. Meanwhile, the permanent flare will act as a backup control mechanism for the thermal oxidizer.

Additionally, Evonik will implement an improved leak detection and repair program within 60 days, further strengthening their commitment to environmental protection.

As per the settlement of an enforcement action by the EPA to enforce federal laws, Evonik has agreed to invest at least $335,000 in a voluntary supplemental environmental project (SEP). The project aims to reduce air pollution and vapours released into the atmosphere by the facility's truck loading docks.

Evonik will manage the design and installation of a vapor recovery system, which will redirect pollutants and vapours to new control devices, like the thermal oxidizer and the permanent flare. The deadline for completing the project is December 31, 2026.