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EPA reaches agreement with Specco on clean-air violations

Release Date: 06/04/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA099

CHICAGO (June 4, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Specco Industries Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's coating manufacturing plant at 13087 Main St., Lemont, Ill.

The agreement, which includes a $77,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Specco made and distributed architectural coatings that contained higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds than federal regulations allow. In addition, Specco failed to timely notify EPA that it produces these products.

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 www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.