Response: Chemical plant in Mableton applies for air quality permit for new process area

On September 17, 2025, the Georgia EPD (environmental protection division) Air Protection Branch published a public advisory with a list of Georgia applicants who have requested air quality permits. The Air Protection Branch of Georgia EPD is responsible for protecting Georgia's air quality through the regulation of emissions from industrial and mobile sources.

The following in a link to the public advisory notice issued by the EPD: 

https://epd.georgia.gov/document/document/pa0925-3/download.

COBB COUNTY

Facility Name: Compass Chemical International LLC

Application No: 29855

Facility Address: 1610 Buckner Road, SE, Mableton, 30126

EPD Notice Type: Permit Application

Description of Operation: Specialty Chemicals Plant

Reason for Application: Proposing the addition of a new process area for the manufacture of a proprietary lubricant additive, an alkyl phosphite blend with and without dispersants.

Advisory notices are published weekly and posted at epd.georgia.gov as required by Georgia State law.

After the advisory was covered by various local journalists in their publications, residents near the facility have understandably reached out with questions and concerns.

I spoke to Steve Allison, the Stationary Source Permitting Program Manager of Georgia EPD. Mr. Allison told me that the notices are a State law requirement, and serve as a notice to the public of who has applied for an air quality permit. If any member of the public wish to make comment about the application, the advisory notice informs the public on how to do so.

I inquired about the purpose of notifying and soliciting public feedback and whether public opposition to a permit would prevent its issuance. The response clarified that these notices are legally mandated and that comments alone will not lead to a permit being denied. If an applicant requests a permit, meets all regulatory requirements, passes the air toxics impact assessment, and provides reasonable assurance of compliance with relevant regulations, the EPA must remain impartial and is obligated to issue the permit.

The EPD cannot deny a permit to an applicant based solely on community disapproval. Mr. Allison expressed understanding and mentioned that, although he dislikes being unable to close businesses that communities oppose, it is not the EPD's role. The EPD's role is to ensure that businesses adhere to their permits and operate according to the established safety standards designed to protect communities and the environment.

He said that the ability to shut down a business falls under local jurisdictions, typically as a zoning issue. Compass Chemical is operating in compliance with their current zoning category and with a current business license. 

Mr. Allison concluded our phone conversation on an optimistic note: Compass Chemical International LLC has maintained a strong record of compliance with their permits. Throughout the years of operation, which include 10 regular inspections and 2 risk management inspections, the only violation they encountered was an administrative one related to an incomplete employee training report. They promptly addressed this issue by completing the necessary paperwork to restore compliance. They have never been found to be out of compliance for violations resulting in environmental impacts.

Mr. Allison stated that most companies, in his experience, are trying to do the right thing; they want to be compliant with EPA regulations and do not want to cause pollution or harm their employees or the surrounding community. In the rare instances of companies that are reluctant to correct violations, the EPD have enforcement tactics that they can and do utilize including fines and penalties.

If a community member suspects this business or another business to be causing environmental harm, they should call 770-387-4900. For suspected code violations, they should contact Mableton Code Enforcement at codeenforcement@mableton.gov. Upon receiving a complaint, the EPD will perform an unannounced on-site investigation to determine if the company is operating properly. The city of Mableton will investigate any reported code violations submitted to the city.