(86a) Equistar Chemicals Olefins Environmental Agreement

Learn about the first EPA Global Settlement in the Olefins industry. The EPA chose Equistar, in part, because it has olefins facilities in several EPA regions. For several years, the EPA has identified industry sectors to study for emissions-reduction opportunities and chosen companies representative of those sectors for examination. The EPA has used that process in the areas of oil refining, steel manufacturing, and electric utilities. Equistar Chemicals is the first Olefins producer to negotiate a global consent decree with the EPA and several state agencies. This EPA analysis began in 2002 and addresses compliance issues from 2000-2006 at seven Equistar Olefins plants in four U.S. states. The compliance issues, many of which were self-reported to the agencies, involve storage of wastewater, leak detection and repair programs, recordkeeping, and flare operation. The company has agreed to environmental project and program enhancements to reduce emissions. Included in this presentation will be the process for investigation and negotiation, the identification of ?marquee? issues, participation by plaintiffs, and the results of the settlement.