EPA cites Dow
 07/15/2006
Kathie Marchlewski , Midland Daily News

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, The Dow Chemical Co. is not playing by the rules. Besides failing to accurately quantify and report air emissions, the Midland plant might be spewing more out than it’s supposed to.

Region 5 EPA officials allege that the company has violated a long list of rules and laws related to testing, operating and monitoring, has exceeded emissions limitations and has failed to report, or has under-reported releases of potentially harmful chemicals.

The citation could mean the issuance of a compliance order, a fine or a lawsuit. Dow has 30 days to meet with the EPA to discuss the allegations and potential resolutions.

"EPA’s mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

 Dow spokeswoman Jennifer Heronema said the company is still reviewing the allegations. "Based on preliminary review, we disagree with some of EPA’s findings and may agree with others," she said, adding that Dow is planning to work with the EPA to resolve the problems.

 "We are committed to the safe and environmentally sound operations of our site and facilities and will continue to work closely with EPA to resolve each and every item of concern," she said.

EPA also cited Dow Friday for failing to comply with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, saying it did not file the required chemical release forms for 2,4-D butoxyethyl ester during calendar years 2000, 2001 and 2002, and that it under-reported the volume of chloromethane and propylene oxide released from the facility during calendar years 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Chloromethane is a colorless gas which occurs both naturally and as a result of industrial burning, and can be damaging to the liver and kidneys. Propylene oxide is used in the production of polyurethane and is classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen.

 For that violation, the EPA is proposing fines of $53,109 and giving Dow the option to request a hearing and/or settlement conference.

Heronema said the company has been communicating with EPA on recording issues for the last couple of years and has taken action to improve its process.

"(It) deals with chemical reporting issues that Dow proactively identified and voluntarily disclosed to EPA in 2003," she said. "Corrective measures have been put in place. This was strictly a record keeping and reporting matter, and there was no harm to health or the environment." Advertisement

Descriptions of the chemicals What is chloromethane?

It is a clear, colorless gas also known methyl chloride. It has a faint, sweet odor noticeable only at potentially toxic levels.

Most of the chloromethane that is released into the environment comes from natural sources, including chemical reactions that occur in the ocean, but it also is produced by industry; it is given off when materials like grass, wood, charcoal, and plastics are burned.

Other sources of exposure are cigarette smoke, polystyrene insulation, aerosol propellants, and chlorinated swimming pools.

Exposure to chloromethane can damage the liver and kidneys. It could also can affect heart rate and blood pressure and has been linked to fertility problems in animal studies.

Source: ATSDR

What is propylene oxide?

Propylene oxide is used in the production polyurethane.

The Environmental Protection Agency has classified propylene oxide as a "Group B2" probable human carcinogen. In animal studies, ingestion and inhalation caused tumors.

Both humans and animals have experienced eye and respiratory tract irritation after short-term exposure.

Source: EPA
 

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