GEISMAR, La. (AP) — PCS Nitrogen has agreed to reduce air emissions from phosphoric acid production at its Geismar plant.
The decision came as part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. EPA and DEQ alleged that PCS Nitrogen Fertilizer LP violated the Clean Air Act by introducing phosphoric acid scrubber effluent into its cooling towers.
Warren Stroman, the general manager at the Geismar plant, told The Advocate (https://bit.ly/Zh16dn) Thursday the company decided to settle the suit by agreeing to reduce emissions and pay a fine, rather than continuing toward trial.
EPA officials said the plant's modifications will prevent the annual release of 15 million pounds of hydrogen fluoride, a hazardous air pollutant that is a byproduct of phosphoric acid production.