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EPA reaches agreement with Pollution Control Industries on clean-air violations

Release Date: 07/14/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA116

CHICAGO (July 14, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Pollution Control Industries Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility, 4343 Kennedy Ave., East Chicago, Ind.

The agreement, which includes a $25,000 penalty and environmental projects costing $117,120, resolves EPA allegations of multiple violations of the Clean Air Act.

The environmental projects are designed to reduce volatile organic compounds and particulate emissions from the facility.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of air pollutants is baked in the hot summer sun. Smog can cause a variety of 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.

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