The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a step towards enhancing safety measures at chemical facilities across the nation with the finalization of a new rule. The aim is to mitigate the frequency and severity of accidents, particularly in communities predominantly inhabited by minorities, Reuters reported on March 1.
The impetus behind this regulation stems from past incidents, notably the release of toxic hydrofluoric acid at refineries in recent years. The EPA's directive now necessitates the implementation of safeguards in hydrofluoric alkylation processes at petroleum refineries to prevent or mitigate chemical releases, aiming to avert disasters like the 2019 explosion and fire at the TPC Group's Port Neches, Texas facility.
The TPC Group incident, which led to widespread local evacuations, serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of industrial accidents. The EPA underscores that had the current provisions been in place earlier, the facility would have been compelled to undergo an STAA, potentially averting the disaster through the implementation of safeguard measures.
However, industry groups have voiced opposition, citing concerns over the financial burden imposed by the regulation. American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers criticized the rule, labeling it as overly costly with ambiguous benefits.
Chet Thompson, the group's Chief Executive, expressed discontent, stating, "This rule is a litany of costs without clear, demonstrable benefits."
Similarly, the American Petroleum Institute, a prominent oil and gas trade group, has indicated its intention to challenge the policy, signaling potential legal battles on the horizon.
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