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EPA Proposes $133,988 Fine Against Mass. Paper Co. for Violating Emergency Planning Laws

Release Date: 07/07/2000
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $133,988 fine against a Massachusetts manufacturer for failing to submit required toxic chemical reporting forms from 1996 to 1998. The manufacturer, Crane & Co. Inc. of Dalton, Mass., makes the paper used to print money for the US Treasury.

According to the complaint filed this week by EPA New England, Crane & Co. Inc. failed to report the use of sulfuric acid, formaldehyde and 26 other chemicals at nine of its plants in western Massachusetts. Sulfuric acid and formaldehyde are classified by EPA as "extremely hazardous substances. The complaint also says the company failed to designate an emergency coordinator and failed to identify itself to the local and state emergency planning officials as a company that needs emergency planning.

"Crane's failure to file the required reports means local and state emergency officials cannot adequately plan for chemical accidents and emergencies at the manufacturing facilities," said IRA Leighton, Acting Deputy Administrator for EPA New England. "The company's lack of reporting also deprives employees and the public from getting critical information about the manufacturing plant. Because right-to-know laws are central to protecting our health and our environment, EPA New England will aggressively deal with companies who do not comply with these laws."

Crane & Co. is required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) to report its use of certain listed toxic chemicals yearly to local and state authorities. The complaint stems from an inspection of the facilities on June 11, 1999.