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Texas reached a $12.6 million settlement with TPC Group over environmental violations associated to the November 2019 explosions on the firm’s Port Neches chemical plant, Texas Legal professional Common Ken Paxton introduced Friday.
The settlement requires TPC Group to restore or substitute its gear and to pay $12.6 million in penalties for violations of state emissions legal guidelines on the firm’s Port Neches plant after the 2019 blast.
The explosions the day earlier than Thanksgiving 2019 prompted the evacuations of greater than 50,000 folks from the world — about 100 miles east of Houston. The blasts spewed greater than 11 million kilos of hazardous substances, inflicting greater than $130 million in offsite property injury and extra impacts to human well being and the surroundings, based on the U.S. Justice Division.
Texas sued TPC Group in 2020, alleging that the corporate continued to function its plant in Port Neches regardless of understanding that the power had points and for violating emissions limits even after the blast. The state additionally alleged that the Houston-based firm violated clear air legal guidelines a number of instances from January 2018 to September 2019.
In a press release, TPC Group stated that it was “working closely” with the Texas Fee on Atmosphere High quality and the legal professional basic’s workplace to make sure its compliance with the state’s emission limits. The corporate described “operational challenges caused by custom emission control units” that it put in whereas changing the Port Neches plant after the explosion.
“TPC Group is committed to complying with the emission limits of its permits and has been working diligently to address the issues,” Sara Cronin, TPC Group’s vp of communications and public affairs, stated in a press release. “The settlement is reflective of our dedication to work day-after-day to be a constructive a part of the communities wherein we function and a frontrunner in producing C4 petrochemicals.
In Could, TPC Group pleaded responsible to a violation of the Clear Air Act and agreed to pay greater than $30 million related to the explosions.
The corporate filed for chapter in 2022. In August, it agreed to pay $150 million in penalties associated to violations alleged by the Texas Fee on Environmental High quality.
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“In Texas, we believe in ensuring all industries operate safely and being responsible stewards of our environment,” Paxton stated in a press release Friday. “These penalties send a clear message: operate responsibly to protect the health and safety of your fellow Texans, or face the consequences.”
