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EPA issues compliance order to University of Cincinnati

Release Date: 10/10/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA161

EPA issues compliance order to University of Cincinnati

CHICAGO (Oct. 10, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has issued an administrative order under the Clean Air Act to the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, requiring the university to comply with its state operating permit and its permit to install for a coal-fired boiler and two natural gas-fired turbines at 300l Vine St.

In September 2006, EPA sent the university a notice alleging it had exceeded its emission limit for opacity (the amount of light obscured by particulate matter) for its coal-fired boiler and nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emission limits for its two gas-fired turbines.

EPA and university representatives discussed the allegations in December 2006.

The University of Cincinnati has 10 days to request a meeting with EPA to discuss the order. The order becomes effective on the date immediately after the parties have conferred. If no conference is requested or held within 10 days, the order becomes effective immediately.

Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can affect children, the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases the most.

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.

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 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.