Chemical manufacturer fined by EPA for violating environmental laws following 2022 fire

An investigation conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has discovered that Nox-Crete Inc. violated the federal Clean Air Act, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The investigation began after the chemical manufacturer’s Omaha, Nebraska facility caught fire in May 2022. During the incident, 659,543 pounds of chemicals were released, which included 40,262 pounds of extremely hazardous substances that are combustible, flammable, and/or toxic. During the investigation, it was discovered that the company failed to minimize the consequences of the chemical release and did not contact the EPA and local authorities regarding the release of hazardous chemicals. As a result, Nox-Crete will have to pay a $37,026 civil penalty and install a foam-deluge fire suppression system in its manufacturing and raw material storage areas. The new system will cost approximately $244,000.

In a recent quote, David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, said, “Nox-Crete’s operations presented a significant risk to its workers and the surrounding community, which is already overburdened by pollution. This settlement, including the installation of the improved fire suppression system, will reduce the risk to workers and residents from future harmful accidents.”