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Continental Brick Co. Settles Alleged Violation of Toxic Chemical Reporting Rules

Release Date: 10/30/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – EPA today announced that Continental Brick Co. has settled an alleged violation of federal toxic chemical reporting requirements at its brick manufacturing plant in Martinsburg, W.Va.

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.

In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $3,199 penalty for its alleged failure to report its 1999 releases and the incidental manufacture of hydrogen fluoride. NOTE: This case involves a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of this chemical.

The settlement penalty reflects the company’s prompt compliance efforts and cooperation with EPA. The company agreed to resolve this matter without a formal complaint being issued.

As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that it is now in compliance with EPCRA requirements.