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EPA CITES CFC VIOLATIONS AT QUANTICO MARINE BASE

Release Date: 10/12/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

QUANTICO, Va. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited the U.S. Marine Corps and the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) for violating EPA regulations on ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) at the Quantico, Va., Marine Corps base.

In separate September 30 Clean Air Act complaints, the agency proposes a $140,800 penalty against DRMO and a $39,600 penalty against the Marine Corps for failing to follow federal regulations on CFCs, a coolant gas used in air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.

The DRMO, which is under the command of the Defense Logistics Agency, handled surplus and used military equipment at the base, including appliances with CFC-containing refrigerants. EPA’s three-count complaint alleges that DRMO did not take required precautions to avoid CFC leaks. Specifically, EPA alleges failure to inspect, refrigerators for the presence of CFCs; improper handling of CFC-containing appliances; and failure to use certified refrigerant recovery or recycling equipment.

EPA’s one-count complaint against the Marine Corps alleges that the Corps did not promptly repair leaks of CFCs from refrigerators, air conditioners, and other equipment in use at the base.

The Corps and the DRMO have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and the proposed penalties.

Scientists worldwide believe that CFCs contribute to the destruction of the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone loss in the atmosphere is likely to lead to an increase in skin cancer in humans and damage to plant and animal life.

For more information on CFCs and stratospheric ozone, please call the Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline, 1-800-296-1996, or visit EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Protection web site at www.epa.gov/ozone.