1/15/21 Consent Decree Entered.
After reviewing and considering the comments submitted by the public on the proposed Consent Decree, the United States filed a motion with the U.S. District Court in Boston on January 8, 2021, asking the Court to approve the proposed Consent Decree. The terms of the proposed settlement are intended to bring Sprague into compliance with federal and state air pollution control laws that regulate the emissions of VOCs from heated #6 oil and asphalt tanks, which pose a range of public health risks.
The Consent Decree requires Sprague to apply for revised state air pollution control permits, in accordance with federal and state law, which will limit the amount of #6 oil and asphalt the company can pass through the facilities and limit the number of tanks that can store #6 oil and asphalt at any one time. These measures will reduce VOC emissions, improve air quality and reduce public health risks in the communities where the seven facilities are located.
Under the Decree, Sprague must apply for permits for facilities in Everett and Quincy, Massachusetts, Newington New Hampshire, and South Portland and Searsport, Maine. Facilities in New Bedford Massachusetts and Providence Rhode Island are also subject to the Consent Decree. In addition, Sprague will install, operate and maintain carbon bed systems to reduce odors from tanks in South Portland, Maine and Quincy, Massachusetts, where EPA received odor complaints from local communities.
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