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EPA cites Kerry Ingredients for clean-air violations

Release Date: 08/09/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA136

CHICAGO (Aug. 9, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Kerry Ingredients for alleged violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the company's bread crumb manufacturing plant at 100 E. Washington St., Millstadt, Ill.

EPA alleges Kerry failed to repair refrigeration equipment that leaked excessive amounts of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. In addition, EPA said the company violated testing, notification, retrofitting, replacement and retirement planning requirements for the equipment.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Kerry has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

When CFC refrigerants deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, dangerous amounts of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the earth. Production of some of these chemicals was stopped in 1995, and federal law strictly controls their use and handling.

Information on 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.