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Portland chemical manufacturer failed to publicly disclose data on chemical use

Release Date: 05/03/2012
Contact Information: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov; Graham Kirn, EPA Toxics Release Inventory Program, 206-553-1603, kirn.graham@epa.gov

(Seattle—May 3, 2012) Kanto Corporation, a Portland, Oregon chemical manufacturer, failed to report the use of toxic chemicals at its facility in violation of community right-to-know laws, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company has agreed to correct violations of the federal Toxics Release Inventory Program and pay a fine.

“Companies that use toxic chemicals are required to report usage, releases, treatment and other activities so communities know what’s in their neighborhoods,” said Kelly Huynh, Manager of the Inspection and Enforcement Management Unit in EPA’s Seattle office. “We use this information to ensure the public has accurate and up-to-date information about chemicals across the country.”

Kanto Corporation is a chemical manufacturing company whose products are primarily used in the manufacture of semiconductors.

EPA found that the company used over 25,000 pounds each of ammonia, hydrogen fluoride and nitric acid in 2009 and failed to report information on its use of those chemicals. These toxic chemicals can affect the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

Under the terms of the settlement, the company has resolved the violations and will pay a penalty of $58,200.

Under the federal Toxics Release Inventory Program, companies that use certain toxic chemicals are required to report annually about releases, transfers and waste management activities involving toxic chemicals at their facilities.

The Toxics Release Inventory Program falls under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, which aims to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their neighborhoods.

For more information on the Toxics Release Inventory Program, visit:
https://www.epa.gov/tri/