On June 23, 2026, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a settlement agreement with Denka Performance Elastomers, LLC for violations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act at its Pontchartrain facility in La Place, Louisiana. The settlement agreement alleges that Denka failed to make hazardous waste determinations, comply with land disposal restrictions, and to have a permit to treat and store hazardous waste. The LaPlace facility is the sole manufacturer of neoprene in the United States, which is a synthetic rubber used to produce products such as wet suits, lap top sleeves, and medical devices. Chloroprene is a primary ingredient in the manufacture of neoprene.

Summary of the Consent Agreement and Final Order

The settlement addresses the waste management practices at the facility that resulted in the release of chloroprene emissions. Under the settlement, Denka will pay a $996,703 civil penalty and will be required to clean-out and remove any residual liquid and solid waste in the outside brine pit and its ancillary equipment.

The facility will also comply with RCRA disposal requirements for the liquid and solid waste generated during waste removal. As of May 2025, the facility suspended operations citing financial difficulties and operational challenges. Currently there is no chloroprene inventory on site.

Background

EPA conducted inspections onsite at the facility in April and May 2022, and again in May 2023. During the May 2022 inspection, EPA took air samples in the waste management area of the facility, these air sample results found high levels of chloroprene emissions in these areas. Both inspections and air sampling results culminated in a December 20, 2022 settlement, where Denka agreed to change its "Poly Kettle Strainer Waste" management process. This change resulted in a reduction of 1 ton per year of chloroprene emissions at the facility. Both the December 2022 and June 2026 consent agreements ensure significant waste management improvements and chloroprene emissions reductions with greater protection for employees and neighboring communities.

Should Denka resume operations at any time, the June 2026 consent agreement requires the company to establish and maintain an inventory of all solid waste streams for proper hazardous waste determinations and update any changes to its permit regarding newly identified waste codes and associated units. Denka will also be required to upgrade waste handling areas and equipment, certify to tank integrity, store and treat chloroprene-related waste in compliant containers, control container waste emissions, ensure worker training and the use of personal protective equipment, and transport and dispose of chloroprene-related waste in accordance with hazardous waste program requirements. If Denka resumes operations, these requirements will ensure compliance with RCRA and hazardous waste management at the facility.