BALTIMORE, MD (June 4, 2007) – The Maryland Department of the Environment’s Air and Radiation Management Administration issued a Corrective Order and a Notice of Proposed Civil Penalty to Bitumar USA, Inc., (Anne Arundel County) on June 1 for venting of uncontrolled emissions to the atmosphere, for failing to record air pollution control device temperatures, and for creating an air pollution nuisance. The Order requires that Bitumar submit a plan within 30 days to repair the tank venting system. The proposed penalty is for $43,750.

Bitumar USA owns and operates a paving and roofing asphalt products plant in northern Anne Arundel County near the Baltimore City line in the Curtis Bay area. During an inspection, MDE determined that the company violated one of the requirements in its permit by failing to vent exhaust gases from its asphalt storage tanks to a control device. MDE also determined that Bitumar USA failed to keep temperature records of its air pollution control devices and that the company created an air pollution nuisance due to the asphalt storage tank vent emissions.

The company stated that due to a potential explosion hazard, the decision was made to disconnect part of the air pollution control system. The system has since been redesigned and parts secured for the upgrade. One of the storage tanks needs to be replaced, and once this task is completed, the air pollution control system will be back in service.

Bitumar USA has 10 days to appeal the Order and request a meeting on the penalty.

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