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ATOFINA RESOLVES VIOLATIONS IN ALABAMA, KENTUCKY, TEXAS

Release Date: 01/11/2002
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2002

ATOFINA RESOLVES VIOLATIONS IN ALABAMA, KENTUCKY, TEXAS
Luke C. Hester 202-564-7818 / hester.luke@epa.gov


ATOFINA Chemicals Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa., has entered into a settlement that will result in significant pollution control measures at the company’s facilities in Alabama, Kentucky and Texas. The consent decree, which is subject to a 30-day public comment period, concludes an extensive multi-statute investigation of ATOFINA (formerly known as “Elf Atochem, North America Inc.”), a worldwide specialty chemicals company with 26 manufacturing facilities in the United States. At an estimated capital cost of $5.3 million, ATOFINA has committed to implementing pollution control measures that will reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions by approximately 2,500 tons per year and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) emissions by 750 tons per year from its facilities in Kentucky and Alabama. VOCs are key contributors to ground-level ozone, or smog, which can aggravate respiratory problems. ODS emissions are key contributors to the reduction in tropospheric ozone, which protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. ATOFINA also will install a new storm water control system at its Houston, Texas, facility and will undertake a supplemental project to improve a portion of the Montlimar Canal in Mobile, Ala., with emphasis on erosion control and development of a greenway along the canal banks. The company also will pay a civil penalty of $1.9 million. The settlement resolves environmental claims brought under the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.

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