Scully Welding Supply Corp. to Pay $60,791 to Settle Environmental Violations at Collingdale, Pa. Plant

EPA Press Release:

Scully Welding Supply Corp. to Pay $60,791 to
Settle Environmental Violations at Collingdale, Pa. Plant

PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 18, 2012) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled its complaint against Scully Welding Supply Corp. The company will pay a $60,791 penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its retail gas facility at 309 Oak Lane in Collingdale, Pa.

 EPA cited the company for violating the Clean Air Act’s “General Duty Clause,” which requires regulated facilities to take steps to reduce the risk of accidental releases of hazardous substances and to minimize the consequences of any accidental releases that do occur. This provision is designed to protect the public from the threat of toxic chemical releases and accidents which may imperil workers, nearby residents and the environment.

EPA determined that Scully did not comply with this requirement in its storage and handling of three hazardous substances: chemolene (propylene), methanol, and propane. According to EPA, the company’s chemolene and methanol tanks were stored in a manner that created a fire hazard and were located too close to neighboring properties. Also, EPA alleged that the company did not have adequate safeguards to prevent fire hazards from electrical equipment near combustible materials, or to prevent accidental release of flammable liquids.

As part of the settlement, the company did not admit liability for the alleged violation, but has certified that it is now in compliance with the General Duty Clause of the Clean Air Act. The company replaced the aboveground propane storage tanks associated with the incident on September 1, 2010 with new underground tanks thereby minimizing the potential for vapor explosion and vessel rupture.  In addition, the company has removed its chemolene and methanol tanks.