EPA has entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) for Decorative Panels International (DPI), in Alpena, Michigan, to resolve violations regarding the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Plywood and Composite Wood Products, at 40 C.F.R. Part 63 Subpart DDDD (Subpart DDDD).
Specifically, DPI failed to maintain minimum operating temperatures at its two Biofilters (#1 and #3) and Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizer, failed to conduct bi-annual performance testing of its Biofilters on time, failed to achieve the required formaldehyde emissions reductions as demonstrated by the bi-annual performance test, and operated the #3 Biofilter with a collapsed roof panel which was not in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions. DPI has returned to compliance by repairing the #3 Biofilter roof panel, conducting and passing bi-annual performance testing, and by maintaining its #1 and #3 Biofilters within the prescribed temperature range.
This CAFO requires DPI to pay a penalty of $140,000 and resolves the FOV issued to DPI on April 1, 2014.
DPI will also enter into a concurrent Administrative Consent Order which requires DPI to conduct quarterly sorbent tube testing on the outlet of its Biofilters to ensure that formaldehyde emissions are being reduced to levels required by Subpart DDDD, and to incorporate the sorbent tube testing procedure into its federally-enforceable preventative maintenance and malfunct