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Idaho, Oregon, and Washington manufacturers failed to notify authorities about chemical releases

Release Date: 12/20/2011
Contact Information: Graham Kirn, EPA Toxics Release Inventory Program, 206-553-1603, kirn.graham@epa.gov; Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(Seattle – Dec. 20, 2011) Three northwest businesses violated federal community right-to-know reporting requirements by failing to report releases of toxic chemicals on time to the federal Toxics Release Inventory. According to three separate settlements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Frazier Industrial Company, Formula Corp, and McClure Industries, Inc. will pay nearly $12,000 in combined penalties.

“Companies that use industrial chemicals have a responsibility to surrounding communities to run safe and transparent operations,” said Kelly Huynh, manager of the Inspection and Enforcement Management Unit at EPA in Seattle. “That includes reporting about the chemicals they use and release at their facilities.”

Under the federal TRI Program, companies that use certain toxic chemicals are required to report annually about releases, transfers, and waste management activities involving toxic chemicals at their facilities. Most companies, including Frazier Industrial Company, Formula Corp, and McClure Industries, report toxic chemicals releases that result from routine manufacturing operations at their facilities.

The Toxic Release Inventory is a national database of chemical data from over 23,000 facilities and is a public resource available to any citizen. The TRI Program falls under the Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act, which aims to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their neighborhoods.

Frazier Industrial Company
Frazier Industrial Company, located in Pocatello, Idaho, failed to report on time for releases of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene at its facility during calendar year 2009 and will pay a $4,100 penalty.

Frazier Industrial Company is a manufacturer of structural steel storage rack systems.

1,2,4-trimethylbenzene is often used as a gasoline additive, a solvent, or as a paint and lacquer thinner. 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene exposure can impact the respiratory and nervous systems.

Formula Corp
Formula Corp, located in Auburn, Washington, failed to report on time for releases of glycol ethers at its facility during calendar year 2009 and will pay a $3,800 penalty.

Formula Corp is a manufacturer of custom chemicals used in personal care, sanitary maintenance, and industrial cleaning markets.

Glycol ethers are an inhalation hazard and may affect the blood, kidneys, and liver.

McClure Industries, Inc.
McClure Industries, Inc., located in Portland, Oregon, failed to report on time for releases of styrene at its facility during calendar year 2009 and will pay a $3,800 penalty.

McClure Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of specialty carts for a variety of applications, including recycling and garbage containers, washroom and linen carts, and bio-waste storage.

Styrene is a respiratory hazard that can affect the nervous system and cause fatigue, slowed reaction time, and difficulty concentrating.

For more information on the TRI Program, visit https://www.epa.gov/tri/

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