Augusta-based DSM Chemicals has been fined $171,685 as a permit penalty by the state of Georgia, which is in addition to an $800,000 fine for under-reporting its toxic emissions, according to a consent order.
The emissions involved elevated releases of cyclohexane, a material similar to gasoline used at the plant to make caprolactam, a raw material for nylon.
DSM reported releasing 810lb of the chemical in 2003, 2004 and 2005, when it actually released 9,025,245lb according to a 27-page order negotiated between DSM and Georgia's environmental protection division.
The company avoided substantial payments and agreed to pay $171,685 in back permit fees, chronicle.augusta.com reports.
As part of the settlement, the company will carry out three projects designed to help the environment, in addition to paying fines and back fees.
One involves a system to recycle water at DSM's ammonium sulfate plant and the other two involve use of better technology to reduce volatile organic compound emissions by 12t per year and other emissions by 30t per year.
The reason for emissions could be the breakout of the factory's 280ft-tall stack that was supposed to incinerate 95% of the excess cyclohexane, the company said.
