A sulfuric acid manufacturing plant in Richmond fined $1.15 million for emissions violations
A sulfuric acid manufacturing plant in Richmond was fined $1.15 million on Thursday for violations related to faulty emissions monitors, according to local air-quality officials.
Background
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) reported that since 2014, Chemtrade, the owner of the plant located at 525 Castro St., failed to properly calibrate, operate, and maintain its continuous monitoring system, resulting in the underreporting of sulfur dioxide emissions.
These emissions measurements are crucial for determining compliance with emissions limits at the plant, which is situated next to the Chevron Refinery in Richmond’s western industrial hub.
While the audit conducted by the air district did not find evidence of sulfur dioxide emissions exceeding permitted limits, it revealed that Chemtrade’s monitoring system was unreliable in accurately measuring the extent of the plant’s emissions.
Impact of Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide is a colorless and pungent gas used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and petroleum catalysts. It can have adverse effects on the respiratory system, including wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. When combined with water and air, it forms the main component of acid rain.
Penalties and Recommendations
BAAQMD officials stated that Chemtrade’s reported emission rates have been estimated to be an average of 33% lower since 2014. As a result, agency staff have recommended that a portion of the $1.15 million fine be allocated towards community efforts to improve air quality in Richmond.
This is not the first time the Richmond facility has faced violations. The BAAQMD’s Hearing Board had previously issued seven notices to the plant, including an abatement order in April 2022. Furthermore, Chemtrade was fined $135,000 six years ago for air pollution violations from 2009 to 2014.
Chemtrade’s Response
Chemtrade, which acquired the plant in 2014, claimed in 2017 that all violations found during a voluntary audit had been corrected. However, the recent fine suggests ongoing issues with emissions monitoring and compliance.
About Chemtrade
According to a directory from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Chemtrade is currently one of North America’s largest suppliers of sulfuric acid, liquid sulfur dioxide, and sodium nitrite. It is also a leading regional supplier of sulfur, sodium chlorate, potassium chloride, and zinc oxide.
Protecting Bay Area Residents’ Health
Dr. Philip Fine, BAAQMD’s executive officer, emphasized that Thursday’s fine reflects the air district’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Bay Area residents.
“The substantial financial penalties for these violations send a clear message to Chemtrade that they must accurately monitor their sulfur dioxide emissions in compliance with all air quality regulations to help protect those living in the surrounding communities,” Fine stated.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses the adverse impacts of sulfur dioxide emissions on the respiratory system.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the need to improve air quality in Richmond, which is a part of creating sustainable cities and communities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article mentions the manufacturing of sulfuric acid, which is related to responsible production practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The article mentions the formation of acid rain due to the chemical reaction of sulfur dioxide with water and air.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 3.9.
- Indicator: Air quality index or concentration of sulfur dioxide in the air – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 11.6.
- Indicator: Compliance with air quality regulations and emission limits – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 12.4.
- Indicator: Integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards SDG 13.2.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses related to hazardous chemicals and air pollution. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Indicator: Air quality index or concentration of sulfur dioxide in the air. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator: Compliance with air quality regulations and emission limits. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Indicator: Integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning. |
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Source: eastbaytimes.com
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