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EPA Cites National Lime and Stone for clean-air violations

Release Date: 12/04/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA178

(Chicago, Ill. - Dec. 4, 2008) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against National Lime and Stone Co. for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at the company's nonmetallic mineral processing plant on North Patterson Street, Carey, Ohio. EPA proposed a $167,000 penalty.

EPA alleges National failed to comply with federal and state regulations and its state operating permit by emitting excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide from its pelletized limestone dryer. EPA said the alleged violations occurred from November 2003 through October 2007.

National has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing. It may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss resolving the allegations.

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

When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it reduces delivery of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death or impair vision, hand movement, learning ability and performance of complex tasks.

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.