Louisiana firm agrees to reduce chemical's emission

Denka Performance Elastomer, a synthetic rubber producer, recently agreed to cut down on emissions of the chemical chloroprene at its LaPlace, Louisiana, plant, under an administrative order of consent (AOC) filed with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).

The EPA has classified chloroprene as a likely carcinogen. Under the AOC, emissions reduction devices will be installed at the plant on a set schedule, concluding with the installation of a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) by the end of the year.

“We expect to see reductions in chloroprene emissions immediately,” LDEQ Secretary Chuck Carr Brown, said. “By the time the RTO begins operation, we expect the amount of chloroprene emitted to be reduced substantially.

Brown said the voluntary modifications at the plant will cost the company millions of dollars. He added that the EPA has provided assistance and guidance, and that the parish where the plant is located also assisted.

“This agreement is a culmination of that collective effort,” Brown said. “It’s a very good beginning, but efforts to lower chloroprene emissions will not end with this AOC. We will continue to monitor and work with the company and our regulatory partners to achieve the maximum reduction possible.”