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EPA reaches agreement with Morgan Olson on clean-air violations

Release Date: 04/17/2009
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA068

CHICAGO (April 17, 2009) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Morgan Olson Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's truck body assembly and painting facility at 1801 S. Nottawa Road, Sturgis, Mich.

The agreement, which includes a $64,512 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Morgan Olson violated its state operating permit. Specifically, the company failed to comply with testing, recordkeeping and certification requirements related to control of volatile organic compound emissions from the plant.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or 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.