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EPA cites Louisiana Pacific for clean-air violations

Release Date: 07/25/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA129

EPA cites Louisiana Pacific for clean-air violations

CHICAGO (July 25, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Louisiana Pacific Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's oriented strandboard manufacturing plant, 7299 N. County Road 403, Newberry, Mich. Oriented strandboard is a wood composite used in house construction.

EPA alleges that Louisiana Pacific exceeded emission limits in its state operating permit for particulates (smoke, ash, dust) from its thermal oil heaters and failed to report the problem in its semiannual report to the state.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Louisiana Pacific has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

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

More information on Region 5's air enforcement program is at www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Citizens may report potential environmental violations at www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints/.