It sounds like you are describing the EVAP purge valve. If it is mounted on the edge of the fan shroud and a few inches below the top of the fan shroud, that's what it is. Mine has a rubber line that goes from the valve to the intake rather than a hard line. If it is mounted just below the top of the fan shroud and more towards the center of the fan shroud then it is likely the EGR controller. Follow the hard line and see if it actually goes directly to the intake manifold or if it goes below the intake manifold. On most cars, the EGR valve is located behind the throttle body on the bottom of the intake manifold.

...Lee