WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality announced May 17 that Vopak Terminal Deer Park Inc. and Vopak Loes USA Inc., have agreed to settle allegations of violating federal and state clean air laws.
According to EPA, the settlement will improve air quality in the Houston area. Vopak agreed to bring its chemical storage terminal and wastewater treatment facility in Deer Park into better compliance with laws.
“This agreement means cleaner air for Houston and will improve Vopak’s compliance with important federal and state laws,” said Larry Starfield, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to working with state partners like Texas to achieve and ensure monitoring of compliance with environmental laws.”
Vopak will install air pollution controls and use infrared cameras for detecting possible air pollution. Additionally, the company agreed to have an independent auditor evaluate its improvements.
“Today’s settlement reflects the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting clean air for the American people in partnership with the states,” said Jeffrey H. Wood, acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
“The settlement will bring Vopak into compliance with federal and state clean air laws and will result in improved air quality for the residents of Harris County. We are proud to have partnered with Texas on this important result.”