WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced July 31 that Harcros Chemicals Inc. has agreed to settle allegations of violating provisions of the Clean Air Act.
“This resolution ensures that Harcros complies with important Clean Air Act requirements that seek to prevent catastrophic releases of hazardous chemicals to the environment,” said acting assistant attorney general Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
“[This} action shows that DOJ and EPA are serious about enforcing compliance with the Clean Air Act and protecting American workers and their communities from risks associated with accidental releases of hazardous substances. We also appreciate the positive cooperation that we received from Harcros during the resolution of this matter.”
Harcros - based in Kansas City, Kansas - manages 31 facilities in 19 states that create commercial chemicals. Under the agreement, Harcros will audit 28 facilities to identify and correct any potential violations of the portion of the Clean Air Act that ensures the prevention of accidental chemical releases.
“This important agreement will improve chemical safety and minimize the risk of accidental releases at Harcros’ facilities nationwide,” said acting assistant administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “It is a priority for EPA to ensure that companies properly manage risks posed by chemicals in a way that protects communities from accidental releases.”