Lawsuit settlement aims to reduce emissions

PCS Nitrogen Fertilizer LP has agreed to attempt to reduce emissions created by the production of phosphoric acid at its Geismar plant. The agreement is part of a lawsuit settlement. The lawsuit was originally filed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The lawsuit was filed in response to PCS Nitrogen's use of a phosphoric acid scrubber effluent in the plant's cooling towers. EPA and DEQ alleged that the scrubber violated the Clean Air act.

Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, said: "Reducing pollution from mining and mineral processing operations is one of EPA's national enforcement initiatives because these facilities release more toxic chemicals than any other sector. This settlement will reduce millions of pounds of hazardous air pollutants, ensuring that the residents of Geismar Louisiana have cleaner air."

As well as introducing modifications to reduce emissions from the Geismar plant, PCS Nitrogen has agreed to pay a fine of $198,825 (£131,672). EPA officials have said that the modifications planned for the plant could reduce around 15 million pounds of hydrogen fluoride being released into the atmosphere every year. Hydrogen fluoride is a hazardous pollutant and is the main by-product of phosphoric acid production. The modifications should be completed by the end of 2013.

PLC Nitrogen decided on the fine and the modifications to reduce emissions instead of taking the suit to trial, according to the general manager of the Geismar plant, Warren Stroman.

Mr Stroman said: "While Potash [the plant's parent company] does not believe either the fine or modifications are warranted, they have chosen to accept them rather than pursue litigation."

Mr Stroman also said that the EPA's estimates on the amount of hydrogen fluoride emissions that will be reduced may not be accurate. PLC Nitrogen doesn't 'necessarily agree' that the reduction will equal 15 million pounds.

Mr Stroman said: "We're unable to confirm the government's statement about the amount. It appears to be based on a misunderstanding of our processes. We believe it's much lower than the amount the government suggests will be controlled by the settlement."