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EPA Cites Manchester Lead Products Plant for Toxic Chemical Reporting Violations

Release Date: 5/20/1999
Contact Information: Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

MANCHESTER, Pa. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited York Mold Inc. for violating the federal toxic chemical reporting statute at its lead products manufacturing plant in Manchester, Pa. This facility manufactures battery terminals and lead anchors and fasteners.

In its administrative complaint, EPA proposes a $29,178 penalty for the company’s alleged failure to file timely reports on the lead processed at the plant in 1996 and 1997. The complaint was issued under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that manufacture, process or use more than a threshold amount of regulated chemicals to file an annual "toxic chemical release form" with EPA and the state.

York Mold processed 2,646,245 pounds of lead in 1996 and 3,409,519 pounds in 1997, according to information that the company provided to an EPA inspector in October 1998. The company filed the toxic chemical release forms shortly after the inspection. (Note: The complaint alleges a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of this substance).

Federal law requires that companies report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any toxic chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site. The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual "Toxic Release Inventory," which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution trends and identify pollution prevention opportunities.

The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.

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