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Pennsylvania Company Settles Chemical Release Reporting Violations

Release Date: 10/09/2009
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (October 9, 2009 ) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Interlectric Corporation has settled alleged violations of federal toxic chemical reporting at its facility located at 1401 Lexington Ave., Warren, Pa.

EPA cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that manufacture, use or process more than a threshold amount of listed toxic chemicals to file an annual “toxic chemical release form” with EPA and the state. Companies must also report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site. These reports are used to compile the Toxic Release Inventory, a publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and waste management activities by certain industries as well as federal facilities.

In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $18,086 civil penalty for failing to file required annual reports for lead and mercury for the years 2004, 2005, and 2006. In addition, the company will spend at least $67,000 to purchase and operate a combination mercury dispenser and vacuum to reduce the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent light bulbs. NOTE: This case involves alleged reporting violations, and not unlawful releases of toxic chemicals.

The penalty reflects the company’s cooperation with EPA’s investigation of these alleged violations, and its prompt compliance efforts. As part of the settlement, the company did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has certified compliance with applicable EPCRA requirements.

For more information, see www.epa.gov/tri