Document ExK5g5kRM1Qn3gn1yD6qzbrdb

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 4 ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER 61 FORSYTH STREET ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL Mr. Robert Akers Arauco North America, Inc. 157 ATC Drive Biscoe, North Carolina 27209 Robert.akers@arauco-na.com Re: Arauco North America, Inc. (Formerly Flakeboard America LLC) - Biscoe, North Carolina Notice of Potential Violation and Opportunity to Confer Dear Mr. Akers: Information currently available to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests that Arauco North America, Inc., may have committed violations of the Emergency Planning and Community Rightto-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) requirements. By this letter, the EPA is extending to you an opportunity to advise the Agency via a conference call, or in writing, of any further information the EPA should consider with respect to the potential violations. Specifically, on May 11, 2021, an authorized representative of the EPA sent an information request letter to the facility located at 157 ATC Drive, Biscoe, North Carolina (the facility) to determine compliance with Section 312 of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11022, and Section 313 of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11023, and the regulations promulgated at 40 C.F.R. Parts 370 and 372, respectively. Based on information gathered, the EPA is concerned that the facility may have violated Section 313 of EPCRA and the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 372, as explained below. Summary of the Potential Section 313 Violations EPCRA Section 313, 42 U.S.C. 11023, and 40 C.F.R. Part 372 require the owner or operator of a facility to use readily available data, or reasonable estimates of the amounts of toxic chemicals involved, for completing a toxic chemical release inventory form (Form R or Form A). The completed toxic chemical release inventory form must be submitted to the Administrator of the EPA and to the official designated by the governor of the state in which the facility is located by July 1 of each year, for each toxic chemical listed under EPCRA Section 313(c) and in 40 C.F.R 372.65 that is manufactured, processed, or otherwise used in quantities exceeding the threshold quantity established in EPCRA Section 313(f) and set forth in 40 C.F.R. 372.25, 372.27, or 372.28 during the preceding calendar year, provided the following elements are satisfied: (a) The facility has 10 or more full-time employees; and Internet Address (URL) http://www.epa.gov (b) the facility is in a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) major group or industry listed in 40 C.F.R. 372.23(a) for which the corresponding North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) subsector and industry codes are listed in 40 C.F.R. 372.23(b) and 372.23(c). The information reviewed indicates that the facility processed more than 25,000 pounds of formaldehyde (26,331 pounds) during reporting year 2019. However, the facility did not report to either the EPA or to the state of North Carolina for reporting year 2019 by July 1, 2020. Pursuant to Section 325(c) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11045(c), and 40 C.F.R. Part 19, the EPA may assess a civil penalty for each violation of EPCRA Section 313. Civil penalties under Section 325(c) of EPCRA may be assessed by administrative order. Each day a violation of EPCRA Section 313 continues to exist constitutes a separate violation. Failure to report to the EPA or to the state of North Carolina are considered separate violations of EPCRA Section 313. To resolve the potential violations identified above, the EPA requests that a representative of the facility contact Mr. Jordan Noles of my staff at (404) 562-9105, or via email at Noles.Jordan@epa.gov, within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of this letter to make arrangements to schedule a teleconference to discuss the potential violations and the EPA's possible enforcement action. Please inform Mr. Noles if you intend to have legal representation present during these discussions. The facility may voluntarily submit any documentation or information that it would like the EPA to review in advance of any teleconference on the matter as to why you believe the EPA should not take an enforcement action with respect to the above-mentioned potential violations. If the facility decides to submit such documentation or information, the EPA requests that the facility does so two weeks in advance of any teleconference on the matter. If you have questions regarding the type of information that should be submitted to the EPA or any other questions regarding this matter, please contact Mr. Noles at the contact information identified above. Sincerely, JASON DRESSLER Digitally signed by JASON DRESSLER Date: 2021.11.16 09:18:26 -05'00' Jason Dressler Chief North Air Enforcement Section