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EPA reaches agreement with Radiac abrasives on clean-air violations

Release Date: 09/19/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA145

(Chicago, Ill. - Sept. 19, 2008) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Radiac Abrasives Inc. on alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company?s grinding wheel manufacturing plant at 1015 S. College Ave., Salem, Ill. EPA assessed a $53,440 penalty.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that Radiac violated federal and state regulations and its state operating permit by emitting volatile organic compounds in excess of its limit from its kilns with no controls.

In a related action, Radiac agreed to an EPA order requiring the company to reduce VOC emissions from its kilns to the legal limit using methods specified in the order.

The alleged violations were discovered as a result of an EPA facility inspection and an information request that required testing for VOC emissions. The testing showed that emissions from each kiln exceeded the federally enforceable limit.

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/