Written by
Associated Press
CULPEPER, Va. (AP) - Culpeper faces a potential $160,265 civil fine for a 2008 chlorine gas leak at its sewer plant.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed the fine. In a Nov. 15 letter, the agency cited failure to immediately notify the National Response Center and state emergency response commission of the leak. The EPA also said the town lacks proper risk management or written safety procedures to deal with chlorine gas.
Culpeper environmental services director Chris Hively tells the Culpeper Star Exponent that town officials are negotiating with the EPA.
The leak occurred in May 2008 as two employees were charging a chlorine cylinder. One employee suffered minor injuries.
Since then, the sewer plant has been upgraded and chlorine is no longer used.