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Compliance and Enforcement Annual Results:
Important Environmental Problems / National Priorities
FY2006 Annual Results Topics
Priority: Air Toxics
Problem: Toxic air pollutants are those pollutants that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as reproductive or birth defects, or adverse environmental impacts. These pollutants come from a wide variety of sources, including industrial and utility operations, as well as smaller manufacturing and commercial sources. Human exposure to air toxics is widespread throughout the nation. EPA regulates 187 air toxics - known as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) - by developing Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards. EPA has made it a National Priority to address industries that have a high incidence of non-compliance with these regulations in order to reduce public exposure to toxic air emissions.
Key Results:
Since establishing Air Toxics as a National Priority in 2004, EPA has reduced emissions of these pollutants by 680,000 pounds in targeted sectors through enforcement and compliance actions. EPA is well positioned to meet its goal of 750,000 pounds by October 2007.
Highlights:
- The national leak detection and repair (LDAR) initiative was key in attaining pollutant reductions within the Air Toxics Enforcement Priority. LDAR regulations require regular monitoring of connectors, valves, and pumps. If leaks are found, they must be repaired promptly. If left undetected and unrepaired, even minor leaks could result in substantial emissions of hazardous air pollutants that might adversely affect public health and the environment.
- EPA focused part of their LDAR evaluation efforts on the pharmaceutical industry and achieved over 50% of the FY 2006 national air toxics emission reductions from three enforcement cases. These three actions will reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions by 181,962 pounds.
- In the first case, EPA bought an action against Abbott Laboratories, requiring the company to reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions by 69,433 pounds, do two supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) costing a total of $418,300, and pay a $57,372 penalty.
- In an action against Cognis Corporation, the company will reduce hazardous air pollutants by 49,049 pounds, do two SEPs costing a total of $310,000, and pay a civil penalty of $70,000.
- In a third action, Archer Daniels Midland will reduce hazardous air pollutant emissions by 63,480 pounds, do two SEPs costing a total of $1,020,000 and pay a penalty of $325,000.
Annual Results by Fiscal Year:
FY2008 | FY2007 | FY2006 | FY2005 | FY2004 | FY2003 | FY2002 | FY2001 | FY2000 | FY1999