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EPA CITES SCOTT MANUFACTURING FOR VIOLATING TOXIC CHEMICAL REPORTING LAW

Release Date: 1/12/1999
Contact Information: Ruth Podems (215) 814-5540

FERRUM, Va. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today has cited Scott Manufacturing, Inc. for violating the federal toxic chemical release reporting statute at its Ferrum, Va. plant.

EPA’s complaint alleges that the cabinet manufacturer violated the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by failing to file required reports on three toxic chemicals used at the plant. EPA is seeking a total proposed $25,000 penalty for these violations.

EPCRA requires companies that use more than 10,000 pounds of certain toxic chemicals to file an annual "toxic chemical release form" with EPA and the state. Companies must report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, and the maximum amounts of these chemicals located at the facility and the amount contained in wastes that are transferred off-site.

The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual "Toxic Release Inventory," which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution and prevent it.

In its complaint, EPA alleges that the company failed to report the amount of toluene released at the facility in 1994 through 1996, and failed to file reports on n-butyl alcohol and methyl isobutyl ketone releases in 1996. Note: The complaint alleges a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.

The three chemicals involved in this case are precursors of smog. Excessive exposure of each of these chemicals can cause dizziness, nausea, difficulty in breathing, and loss of consciousness.

The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.

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