Chlorine Distributor Settles Risk Management Program Issues
Oxarc, Inc. of Spokane, Wash., has agreed to pay $19,472 penalty to settle a case for violations of the Clean Air Act Risk Management Program requirements, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The settlement came after EPA found that the company was in violation of the Risk Management Program requirements at four of its facilities, which are located in North Lewiston and Nampa, Idaho and Pasco and Spokane, Wash. EPA alleges that Oxarc, Inc. failed to update its Risk Management Program at least every five years. The four facilities use more than 2,500 pounds of chlorine each. The violations have since been corrected.
Chlorine is listed as a hazardous air pollutant under Section 112(b) (1) of the Clean Air Act. Exposure to chlorine may result in chemical-type burns to skin, eyes, and lungs.
Oxarc, Inc. is a distributor of welding and industrial supplies, as well as industrial, medical and specialty gases, including chlorine.
Requirements of the Risk Management Program include: development of an emergency response or action plan; hazard evaluation of a “worst case and more probable case” chemical release; operator training; review of the hazards associated with using toxic or flammable substances; and operating procedures and equipment maintenance.