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Sauder agrees to EPA order to comply with Clean Air Act

Release Date: 09/09/2009
Contact Information: CONTACT: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254 , omohundro.william@epa.gov

For Immediate Release
No. 09-OPA163

(Chicago, Ill. - Sept. 8, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has issued an administrative consent order to Sauder Woodworking Cogeneration Facility. The company has agreed to take immediate steps to comply with the Clean Air Act at the company's furniture manufacturing plant at 502 Middle St., Archbold, Ohio.

EPA filed an administrative complaint against Sauder in June alleging the company violated federal and state regulations by emitting excessive amounts of visible emissions (smoke, dust, ash), nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from its wood-fired boilers. In addition, EPA alleged Sauder violated notification and recordkeeping requirements and requirements to continuously monitor emissions from its boilers.
Sauder has agreed to increase the availability of trained maintenance personnel, maintain spare parts at the facility, take action at emission set points that are lower than emission limits, improve pollution control equipment operation and follow a pollution control equipment component replacement schedule.
In addition, Sauder will revise startup and shutdown procedures, adhere to quality assurance and quality control plans, increase equipment inspections and preventive maintenance schedules, submit data on revised reporting templates and make overall improvements in boiler efficiency. A copy of the order is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/mou7fp .

EPA learned of the alleged violations after receiving excess emission reports that the company was required to submit to the state. The agency notified Sauder of the alleged violations in April 2008 and February 2009 and met with the company after each notification to discuss the findings and how to resolve them.
Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can have adverse health effects, particularly in children, the elderly and people with heart and lung disease.
Nitrogen oxides can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections. They also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and acid rain.

Volatile organic compounds also contribute to the formation of smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html .
Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints .