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EPA Puts Adams, Mass. Company on Notice for Violations of the Federal Clean Air Act

Release Date: 10/12/2001
Contact Information: Mark Merchant, EPA Press Office (617-918-1013)

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has filed a notice of violation against MacDermid Graphic Arts Inc. of Adams, Mass. for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act.

EPA found in March 1999, one of the facility's rubber coating machines exceeded its volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions limit during a test of material emitted through the company's smoke stack. MacDermid manufactures rubber products such as printing blankets for the graphic arts industry.

EPA's violation notice also states that from January 1997 through March 2001, MacDermid did not monitor or keep data required to make sure its air pollution control equipment was working properly.

VOCs evaporate readily into the air and result in the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog, which is a serious public health problem in Massachusetts.

"Given the seriousness of the smog problem in all corners of Massachusetts, companies like MacDermid need to make sure they are doing everything they can to comply with federal clean air regulations," said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA's New England office.

This summer, there were 27 days of bad air quality on Massachusetts because of smog levels. High concentrations of ozone are known to cause difficulties in breathing, especially for children, asthmatics and people with lung ailments.

This notice will be followed by an administrative order telling MacDermid to come into compliance with Clean Air Act requirements.