The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cited Dow Chemical Co. for alleged clean-air violations and has filed a complaint against the company for alleged chemical release at the company's Midland, Mich., facility.
The EPA alleges that Dow violated the Clean Air Act by failing to comply with national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. According to the preliminary findings, the company violated testing, operating, monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting and notification requirements. Additionally, EPA alleges Dow has exceeded emission and other limits.
The EPA may now issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Dow has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.
The EPA has also filed an administrative complaint against Dow for failure to comply with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
The company has been cited for failure to file the required chemical release forms for the 2,4-D butoxyethyl ester from 2000-2002. Dow was also cited for underreporting the volume of chloromethane and propylene oxide released from the facility during the same time period.
The EPA has proposed a $53,109 penalty for these violations. Under the Right-to-Know statute, the company may request a hearing or settlement conference with EPA within 30 days to discuss the allegations.