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Connecticut Company Faces $15,100 Penalty for Not Following Chemical Management and Accident Prevention Laws

Release Date: 03/22/2007
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston—March 22, 2007) - The Mott Corporation of Farmington, Conn. faces a $15,100 cash penalty for Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) violations. The company manufactures high-tech metal filters and did not report its storage of over 10,000 pounds of liquid nitrogen and argon between 2003 and 2005.

EPCRA laws and regulations direct companies and organizations that use, store and manage hazardous chemicals to provide emergency responders with critical information about the presence of hazardous chemicals at their facilities. They must report this information annually, by March 1 of each year.

Recent traumatic events, such as terrorist attacks, hurricanes and accidental fires, have highlighted the importance of preparing for, preventing, and responding quickly to chemical releases in our communities. This is one of many recent enforcement cases in chemical preparedness and reporting laws in New England.

“If there is an emergency involving hazardous chemicals, first responders rely on chemical management databases to protect the surrounding community and themselves,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “This is not simply a paperwork exercise – by following proper accident prevention and reporting protocols and ensuring that emergency responders have up-to-date and accurate chemical information, we can prevent chemical accidents, save lives, and protect peoples’ health during emergency responses.”

Because it is important that companies and municipalities understand their obligations under the law, EPA offers technical assistance to facilities to ensure compliance with these important environmental statutes. EPA also encourages companies to take advantage of its Audit Policy, a program that includes incentives for regulated entities to voluntarily disclose and come into compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations. Last fiscal year, approximately 30 facilities disclosed that they had failed to provide chemical inventory information to the proper state and local authorities.

More information:

EPA info on EPCRA in New England: (epa.gov/ne/enforcement/epcra)

National EPA info on chemical emergency preparedness and prevention programs: (epa.gov/ne/tks/chemprepinfo/)

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