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ROTO-DIE COMPANY CITED FOR CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATIONS AT MICROMETRICS SYSTEMS PLANT IN VIRGINIA

Release Date: 7/12/1999
Contact Information: Donna M. Heron 215-814-5513

MEADOWS OF DAN, Va. - The United States has filed a judicial complaint against Roto-Die Company, the owner of Micrometrics Systems, for Clean Air Act violations at the Micrometrics plant in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The complaint alleges that the plant, which manufactures chrome-plated rotary dies for the printing industry, violated regulations designed to reduce pollution from chromium electroplating operations.

The complaint, which was filed July 7 in the U.S. Eastern District Court of Missouri, alleges that the company failed to submit timely notifications to EPA about the construction and start-up of two chromium electroplating process tanks, failed to perform required performance tests, and violated monitoring and operation and maintenance requirements.

“AChromium compounds are hazardous air pollutants that pose significant health and environmental risks. We remain committed to vigorous enforcement of Clean Air Act regulations on chromium electroplating operations,” said EPA Regional Administrator W. Michael McCabe.

The Clean Air Act provides penalties of up to $27,500 per day for each violation. The complaint also cited Roto-Die, headquartered in Missouri, for similar violations at its plants in Eureka, Mo. and East Windsor, Ct. The company has announced its intent to open a facility in Philadelphia.

Chromium compounds are regulated as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Hexavalent chromium, one such chromium compound, is a known carcinogen causing lung cancer and other health problems. Another chromium compound, trivalent chromium is not a proven carcinogen, however it can cause non-carcinogenic toxic effects such as reduced lung capacity or allergic reactions in the skin. Human exposure to chromium happens mostly from breathing workplace air, or ingesting water or food from soil near waste sites.

The company has the right to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalties.


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