Roquette fined $207K for violating the Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions
Roquette America Inc. has reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company, which manufactures corn syrup and starch, allegedly violated the federal Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions. The EPA claims that Roquette, which stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, did not comply with regulations that are designed to protect neighboring communities from potential accidental releases. Following an inspection in March 2022, the EPA discovered multiple Clean Air Act violations at the facility. These violations included failing to conduct safety audits and address hazards and failing to update emergency contact information.
To resolve the alleged violation, Roquette will pay a $207,488 civil penalty and $122,000 to buy two pickup trucks and outfit them as emergency response vehicles for the Keokuk Fire Department.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director David Cozad said, “It is critical that companies that handle dangerous chemicals like anhydrous ammonia comply with the safety requirements of the Clean Air Act. EPA is committed to protecting communities from potentially catastrophic chemical releases, particularly those communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm.”
EPA in the news
Venoil to pay $58K for violating the Clean Water Act
Venoil was not properly testing or inspecting its tanks and facilities for leaks and spills.
Energy company to pay $231K for hazardous waste violations at South Carolina facility
EPA noted several potential violations of state and federal hazardous waste laws relating to the management of hazardous waste in containers and tanks.
Recycler to pay $236K for hazardous waste violations and $642K to reduce organic air emissions
At GRR’s facility in Attalla, Alabama, the company blends hazardous waste for use as fuel in boilers and industrial furnaces.
Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act
Intalco Aluminum fined $5.25 million for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air
The company failed to maintain and operate air pollution control systems at various times from 2017 to 2020.
Marathon to pay $64.5 million, the largest penalty ever for violations of the Clean Air Act
The company settled with the EPA and DOJ and agreed to implement compliance measures to reduce harmful emissions.
Electronic Products fined $118K for violating two environmental laws
Electronic Products failed to identify hazards related to its use of anhydrous ammonia at its facility.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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