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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hercules settles EPA's emissions allegations

PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - Manufacturer Hercules Incorporated will pay $175,000 to settle environmental law violation allegations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday.

The alleged violations concern the processing of cellulose fiber at its Hopewell, Va., plant. According to the complaint, Hercules failed to adequately demonstrate compliance with the national emission standard for hazardous air pollutants for cellulose products manufacturing and violated related regulations on leak detection and repair.

A consent decree was lodged with the U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va., on July 2. Hercules will comply with the Clean Air Act standard of "maximum achievable control technology." This standard mandates facilities use state-of-the-art technology for reducing hazardous air pollutants.

Hercules will spend approximately $200,000 on the consent decree requirements, resulting in an estimated 150 tons of hazardous air pollutants reduced per year, the EPA says.

As part of the settlement, Hercules has agreed to conduct additional testing, update its operating permit to document testing and monitoring activities, and engage in a two-year enhanced leak detection and repair program. The proposed settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.

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