Steel Manufacturer to Pay $717,324 for Chemical Reporting Violations
Tenaris Global Services Corp., a manufacturer and supplier of steel pipe products for the oil and energy industry, has agreed to pay $717,324 of civil penalties to the United States to settle violations of environmental regulations at seven facilities related to the public reporting of toxic chemicals at its facilities in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.
“These laws are in place to protect workers, emergency responders and the community in the event of an accidental release or fire,” said Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. "Without accurate information, local officials can't make informed decisions and people don't know what to do."
The company failed to report quantities of chemicals on site that were manufactured, processed or otherwise used at the facility during 2005-2008. The regulated chemicals included lead, manganese, nickel, nitrate compounds, xylene, chromium, nitric acid, glycol ethers, and zinc compounds.
Companies are required to report these chemicals each year.
The following facilities were levied fines:
• Hydril Company, McCarty Manufacturing Plant, Houston, $141,344
• Hydril Company, Westwego Manufacturing Plant, Westwego, La., $108,717
• Maverick Tube Corporation, Hickman Facility, Blytheville, Arkansas, $119,422
• Maverick Tube Corporation, Tenaris Conroe Facility, Conroe, Texas, $43,281
• Tenaris Coiled Tubes, Precision Tube Technology, Houston, $105,661
• Tenaris Coiled Tubes, Subsea Center, Houston, $34,171
• Maverick Tube Corporation, ARAI facility, Houston, $164,728
Submission of the annual toxic chemical reports is a requirement of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Under EPCRA regulations, large companies are required to submit annual reports to EPA and state authorities listing the amounts of regulated chemicals that are manufactured, processed or otherwise used at the facility. The reports provide an important source of information to emergency planners and responders, and residents of surrounding communities.
EPCRA was enacted by Congress in 1986 for the protection of the public from chemical emergencies and dangers.