EPA Region 5 recently reached an agreement with the Dow Chemical Co., resolving an administrative complaint alleging that Dow failed to timely report releases of hazardous chemical substances from Dow's Midland, Mich. facility.
Under the settlement terms, Dow will pay a civil penalty of $82,834 and perform environmental projects estimated at $48,446.
EPA is charging that on four separate occasions, between November 1997 and May 1999, Dow failed to notify authorities quickly enough about the accidental releases of methyl chloride, vinyl chloride, and ethylene oxide from the Midland facility.
Dow denied any wrongdoing, but cooperated with EPA by providing information and taking steps to ensure that authorities are notified promptly about any such releases in the future.
In addition to the monetary fine, Dow agreed to perform two environmental projects to benefit the local community.
The company will provide the Midland County Local Emergency Planning Committee with a mobile generator and emergency lighting, two laptop computers and two printers.
Dow will also provide air-monitoring equipment and training to the Midland Township Fire Department and the City of Midland Fire Department.