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EPA reaches agreement with Cognis

Release Date: 04/28/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No.06-OPA064

CHICAGO (April 28, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Cognis Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's chemical plant at 2525 S. Kensington Road, Kankakee, Ill. It includes two environmental projects costing $310,000 and a $70,000 penalty.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that, in its vitamin E production area, Cognis failed to comply with testing and recordkeeping requirements for process equipment, consistently meet operating standards for air pollution control equipment, and comply with leak detection and repair regulations for hazardous air pollutants.

"Cognis will complete an equipment replacement project that includes high-tech, leak-proof equipment and implement an enhanced leak detection and repair program that will cut hazardous air pollutant emissions and help protect public health," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.

EPA discovered the alleged violations during inspections in September 2003 and March 2004, and from a report submitted by Cognis.

Leak detection and repair 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.