Reducing Emissions
In an effort to reduce overall air emissions, the Marcus Hook Polymers facility voluntarily instituted more restrictive requirements than required by regulation in its LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) Program during 2008. LDAR is an EPA regulation addressing the management of emissions generated from equipment leaks (i.e., valves, pumps, compressors and pressure relief devices).

Lowering the action level at which various degrees of maintenance is done was one step taken. The result has been an approximately nine ton decrease in volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions from two years ago. Further enhancements to the LDAR program are being investigated to determine if they will yield additional emission reductions.