NEW YORK (Oct 23, 2024) - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a settlement with Oxy Vinyls, LP, to resolve alleged violations of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) at the company’s facility in Pedricktown, N.J. The settlement includes a $113,000 civil penalty.

“EPA is committed to ensuring that regulated facilities comply with the ‘Right to Know’ law, which requires the accurate reporting of chemical storage, use and releases,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “These reporting obligations are crucial as they inform communities and can help to prepare them for potential risks associated with hazardous chemicals.”

Oxy Vinyls, a manufacturing company that handles organic solvents and other hazardous substances, released vinyl chloride into the atmosphere through the building’s ventilation system on May 30, 2023. Oxy Vinyls did not immediately report the release to the National Response Center, the Local Emergency Planning Committee or the State Emergency Response Commission, as required by law.

On June 8, 2023, Oxy Vinyls submitted written follow-up reports to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the State Emergency Response Commission and EPA, stating that 53.8 pounds of vinyl chloride were released, which is much higher than the reportable quantity of 1 pound. Oxy Vinyls cooperated with EPA throughout the enforcement process and, subsequent to the May 30, 2023, release, Oxy Vinyls stated that it would retrain its personnel on proper notification procedures. 

CERCLA requires persons in charge of a facility to immediately notify the National Response Center when a reportable quantity of a hazardous substance is released in any 24-hour period so that officials can evaluate the need for a response action.

EPCRA increases the public's knowledge and access to information about chemicals at certain regulated facilities which must report on the identity of their chemicals, quantities of chemical releases into the environment, and waste management activities. States and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment. 

For more information about EPA’s enforcement program.  

For more information about release notifications under CERCLA.

For more information about EPCRA.

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