EPA: Oklahoma Acid Manufacturer To Cut Ozone-Causing Emissions

A manufacturer of nitrogen-based fertilizers has reached a deal with federal regulators to reduce ozone-causing emissions from plants in four states, including its facilities in Pryor.

The Environmental Protection Agency said in a release on Wednesday the lawsuit settlement with Oklahoma City-based LSB Industries requires the company and four of its subsidiaries to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions by more than 800 tons annually.

EPA-LSB Industries Settlement

The plants will invest up to $11.7 million in the facilities to implement the emission cuts.

One of LSB Industries' plants listed in the settlement is its subsidiary, Pryor Chemical Company.

According to the company's web site, the Pryor facility produces anhydrous ammonia, urea, nitric acid, urea ammonium nitrate and carbon dioxide.

In the news release, the EPA said nitrogen dioxide contributes to ground-level ozone and fine particle pollution and has been associated with causing respiratory ailments.

"This case is about cleaner air for people living in communities near manufacturing plants," said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

"LSB Industries has committed to dramatic cuts in air pollution and ensuring they are in compliance with the law. We expect others in the industry to recognize the imperative to adopt reforms and reduce pollution in communities where they operate."

The EPA says the complaint, filed concurrently with the settlement, alleges the Pryor subsidiary constructed or made modifications to their plant that resulted in increased emissions of nitrogen dioxide without first obtaining pre-construction permits and installing pollution controls.

LSB and its subsidiaries will also pay a penalty of $725,000 to resolve violations of the federal Clean Air Act and Oklahoma environmental laws.

The EPA says $206,250 from the settlement will be paid to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.