CHICAGO (Nov. 9)—Degussa Engineered Carbons L.P. has been cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over alleged clean-air violations at the company's carbon black plant in Belpre, Ohio.
The EPA is proposing a fine of $1.55 million because of excessive sulfur emissions from the plant, following the use of a high-sulfur feedstock and failing to report the incident.
The EPA said Degussa has filed an answer to the administrative complaint and requested a hearing. It may request an informal conference with the EPA at any time to discuss how to resolve the allegations.
Exposure to sulfur dioxide can impair breathing, aggravate existing respiratory diseases like bronchitis and reduce the ability of the lungs to clear foreign particles, the EPA said. Sulfur dioxide also can cause acid rain and contribute to fine particle pollution.