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EPA reaches agreement with Pharmacia & Upjohn

Release Date: 10/14/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA213


CHICAGO (Oct. 14, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC on alleged violations of federal hazardous air pollutant regulations at the company's pharmaceutical manufacturing plant at 7000 Portage Road, Kalamazoo, Mich.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that Pharmacia & Upjohn failed to comply with federal equipment requirements and leak detection and repair regulations at the plant. Specifically, the company failed to assure that certain lines were double blocked and failed to take required steps to monitor fugitive emissions of hazardous chemicals from valves and connectors at the plant.

"Pharmacia & Upjohn has agreed to protect public health by significantly upgrading equipment and aggressively monitoring and repairing hazardous air pollutant leaks at the plant," said Regional Administrator Thomas V. Skinner. He said the company has also agreed to pay a $46,250 penalty.

Regulations strictly limit emissions of hazardous air pollutants because high exposure may cause serious health, environmental and ecological effects.