BCP Ingredients Agrees to Major Upgrades to Settle Clean Air Act Violations

BCP Ingredients has also agreed to pay penalties, implement clean energy upgrades at four of its facilities and spend doses of money on health and safety community projects to settle Clean Air Act violations.

In the settlement charges with BCP Ingredients Inc, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). are over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its facility located in Verona, Missouri. The animal feed additive manufacturer called choline chloride included the ethylene oxide (EtO), which is toxic and flammable, and without upholding rules meant for guarding workers and the immediate area as well as the environment against the effects of chemical hazards.

The repackaging of this chemical, EtO, by BCP Ingredients for other users led to an EPA investigation due in April 2022. The agency found that BCP had failed to develop procedures to prevent accidental EtO releases and had not properly maintained safety systems at the facility.

The $300,000 civil penalty will be paid by BCP and funding will be used to promote clean energy and safety. To minimize EtO emissions of 16,550 pounds, the company is going to install a scrubber system. It will also set aside $350,000 on local projects like equipment for the Verona Fire Department and mobile health services.

As such, this settlement shows the commitment that the EPA has towards the protection of communities, especially those communities facing environmental justice issues, according to EPA Region 7 Enforcement Director David Cozad. The 30-day comment period will be involved in this settlement, which frames it under the larger lenses of the Biden-Harris administration regarding public health protection and clean energy solutions.