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EPA reaches agreement with Flavor Concepts on clean-air violations

Release Date: 06/15/2009
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA107

(Chicago, Ill. - June 15, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Flavor Concepts Inc. on alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company's food and beverage flavoring manufacturing plant at 1350 W. Washington St., West Chicago, Ill.

The agreement, which includes a $53,827 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Flavor Concepts constructed and operated new sources of air pollution emissions and air pollution control equipment without first getting state construction and operating permits.
EPA alleges the violations occurred from January 2003 through May 30, 2008. Emissions include particulate matter (smoke, dust, ash) and volatile organic compounds.

Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can have adverse health effects, particularly in children, the elderly and people with heart and lung disease.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog). Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.