Press Release - Thursday, October 07, 2010
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Illinois EPA refers W.R. Grace, Chicago, to Attorney General for enforcement
SPRINGFIELD—Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott has asked the Illinois Attorney General's office to proceed with an enforcement action against W. R. Grace and Company Inc., for a chemical spill resulting in air pollution at its facility in Chicago.
The W. R. Grace facility is located at 6050 West 51st Street, Chicago. On October 5, 2010, a chemical spill occurred at the facility resulting in a cloud of nitrous oxide and requiring evacuation of the facility. A subsequent Illinois EPA inspection revealed that the release occurred when incompatible product was added to a storage tank in the packaging operations. Reports indicate that one employee was slightly affected and received medical attention. No one off of the plant site was affected.
W.R. Grace operates a container sealant manufacturing facility. Emissions sources at the facility include various solvent tanks, mixers, boilers and process equipment. It operates under a Clean Air Act Permit Program and regulations.
The Illinois EPA requests that W. R. Grace conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report to include findings and preventative measures. In addition, they should implement appropriate measures to this incident from recurring.
The Illinois EPA will continue to provide technical and other support, as needed, to the Attorney General.
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