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Rhode Island Printing Facility Faces Fine for Clean Air Violations

Release Date: 10/30/2008
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. Oct. 30, 2008) - Arkwright Inc., now renamed Océ Imaging Supplies, Inc., faces a potential EPA fine of nearly $200,000 for Clean Air Act violations at its former facility in Fiskeville, R.I. The Fiskeville facility is under new ownership and doing business as Arkwright Advanced Coating, Inc.

A recent EPA complaint alleges that Arkwright, now known as Océ, violated numerous provisions of the National Emission Standards for Paper and Other Web Coating Facilities as well as provisions of its clean air operating permit (Title V permit).

Specifically, Arkwright/Océ failed to adequately capture pollution emitted by two coating lines, resulting in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. The company continued to operate one of the coating lines for approximately three and a half weeks after it learned that the capture system was not functioning as required. In addition, Arkwright/Océ failed to submit timely and accurate compliance reports.

Exposure to hazardous air pollutants and volatile organic compounds can pose a serious risk to workers and the public. Volatile organic compounds also contribute to the formation of ozone (smog), which can damage lung tissue and reduce lung function. Children, the elderly, people with lung disease, and people with asthma are most susceptible.

More Information: EPA Clean Air enforcement in New England: https://www.epa.gov/region1/enforcement/air/index.html