Port Orchard adhesive manufacturer settles clean air violations

Press release:

Port Orchard adhesive manufacturer settles clean air violations

Contact: Suzanne Skadowski, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-6689, skadowski.suzanne@epa.gov

(Seattle—October 11, 2012) Westech Aerosol Inc. of Port Orchard, Wash. will pay a penalty for risk management violations of the federal Clean Air Act, according to a consent agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Westech makes adhesives using propane/isobutane, a potentially dangerous, flammable chemical. Few problems happen when propane/isobutane is handled properly and process equipment is maintained; but most accidents occur due to uncontrolled or accidental releases.

“We can't take chances with public health,” said Wally Moon, manager of the Preparedness and Prevention Unit in EPA’s Emergency Management Program in Seattle. “Preventing an accidental release of dangerous chemicals protects the lives of workers, responders and nearby residents.”

Westech uses more than 10,000 pounds of propane/isobutane. Since January 2007, Westech failed to submit a required Risk Management Plan to EPA, in violation of the Clean Air Act Risk Management Program.

Local Emergency Preparedness Committees need access to the most current Risk Management Plan information on the type and quantity of toxic and/or flammable chemicals at facilities and their emergency response capabilities to respond to an accidental release.

Westech has corrected the violations and agreed to pay a $30,000 penalty to EPA.

EPA’s Risk Management Program helps to protect public health and the environment from accidental releases of toxic or flammable chemicals.