Zeeland Chemicals, Zeeland MI, paid a $10,000 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failure to immediately notify the National Response Center, the Michigan emergency response commission, and the local emergency planning committee of a 5,490-pound release of toluene January 2, 2005, according to EPA information.
A required follow-up report was also filed late. The release occurred when a process tank over-pressurized and a rupture disk blew allowing the toluene to be released into the atmosphere, according to EPA information.
In addition to the fine, Zeeland Chemicals completed an environmental project valued at $70,625, in which the company installed an upgraded scrubber system that should reduce its air pollution and volatile organic compound releases, EPA said.