EPA and DOJ entered into a consent decree with PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. (PPG). The consent decree resolves claims against PPG under the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. ?? 7401-7671q, (CAA) pertaining to PPG?s Delaware, Ohio facility. At the Delaware facility, PPG produces resins and coatings for the automotive refinish and collision markets, and resins for the packaging, industrial and automotive markets.
EPA initiated this enforcement action by inspecting the PPG Delaware facility in August 2011. After uncovering deficiencies under the CAA, Region 5 issued a Finding of Violation (FOV) to the company on December 21, 2011. The FOV alleged that PPG was in violation of various requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart FFFF National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Miscellaneous Organic Chemical Manufacturing (known as ?the MON?); 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart UU National Emission Standards for Equipment Leaks ? Control Level 2 Standards; and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA Reference Method 21 at 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Appendix A-7.
Under the proposed Consent Decree, PPG will implement an Enhanced Leak Detection and Repair program and monitoring of storage tanks to mitigate any potential excess emissions resulting from past CAA violations at an estimated cost of $150,000, and ensure future compliance by measures more protective than required by the applicable regulations. PPG also will pay a civil penalty of $225,000.