Industrial Gas Producer in West Virginia to Pay $1.9 Million for Clean Water Act Violations
NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. – Messer LLC, a producer of industrial gas in West Virginia, has agreed to pay $1.9 million to settle allegations that it violated the Clean Water Act. The company was accused of dumping copper, aluminum, residual chlorine, iron, and phenolics into the Ohio River at levels above what was permitted, according to federal regulators.
The violations occurred at Messer’s facility in New Cumberland, where the company produces liquid nitrogen, oxygen, argon, krypton, and xenon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that the facility had violated its pollution discharge permit at least 186 times since 2016. Messer assumed liability for these violations when it acquired the facility in 2019.
In addition to the civil penalty for exceeding discharge permits, Messer has agreed to take further actions to address the issue. The company will build a new treatment system and increase inspections of stormwater discharges, according to a statement from the EPA.
The $1.9 million settlement will be paid in equal amounts to the state and federal governments. This financial penalty aims to hold Messer accountable for its actions and deter future violations of environmental regulations.
The Clean Water Act is a federal law that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation’s waters. It aims to protect and restore the quality of water resources, including rivers, lakes, and streams. Violations of the Clean Water Act can have significant environmental and public health impacts, making enforcement crucial to safeguarding waterways.
The settlement between Messer LLC and the regulatory authorities serves as a reminder to industrial facilities to comply with environmental regulations and prioritize responsible waste management practices. By taking appropriate measures to prevent pollution and maintain compliance, companies can contribute to the preservation of clean and healthy water resources for future generations.
How did Messer LLC violate the Clean Water Act at its New Cumberland facility in West Virginia?
Title: Industrial Gas Producer in West Virginia to Pay $1.9 Million for Clean Water Act Violations
NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. – Messer LLC, a prominent industrial gas producer in West Virginia, has agreed to settle allegations of Clean Water Act violations by paying a significant penalty of $1.9 million. Federal regulators accused the company of exceeding permitted levels of copper, aluminum, residual chlorine, iron, and phenolics in its discharge into the Ohio River.
The violations primarily occurred at Messer’s New Cumberland facility, where the production of liquid nitrogen, oxygen, argon, krypton, and xenon took place. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documented at least 186 violations of the pollution discharge permit by the facility since 2016. Messer assumed responsibility for these violations after acquiring the facility in 2019.
Apart from the financial penalty, Messer has also committed to additional measures to address the issue. The company will construct a new treatment system and enhance inspections of stormwater discharges. These actions aim to rectify the violations and prevent future occurrences, as stated by the EPA.
The settlement amount of $1.9 million will be equally divided between the state and federal governments. This penalty is designed to hold Messer accountable for its actions and serve as a deterrent against future breaches of environmental regulations.
Under the Clean Water Act, the discharge of pollutants into the nation’s water bodies is regulated to safeguard their quality. The law seeks to protect and restore water resources, including rivers, lakes, and streams. Violations of the Clean Water Act can pose significant risks to the environment and public health, underscoring the importance of rigorous enforcement.
The resolution between Messer LLC and regulatory authorities is a clear reminder to industrial facilities about the need to comply with environmental regulations and prioritize responsible waste management practices. By implementing measures to prevent pollution and ensure ongoing compliance, companies can contribute to the preservation of clean and healthy water resources for generations to come.
This settlement is a step in the right direction towards holding companies accountable for their environmental practices. It’s crucial that we prioritize the protection of clean water sources to ensure the well-being of our communities.