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U.S. And Pennsylvania Ask Court to Approve $400,000 Settlement in Clean Air Case Against Celotex Corp. - Company Agrees to Major Steps to Reduce Pollution at Sunbury Plant

Release Date: 9/23/1998
Contact Information: Bonnie Lomax (215) 814-5542 September 23, 1998

SUNBURY, Pa. - Judge Malcolm Muir of the U.S. District Court in Williamsport yesterday signed a consent decree settling a joint federal-state lawsuit over Clean Air Act violations at Celotex Corporation’s fiberboard manufacturing plant in Sunbury, Pa.  

Under an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Justice and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Celotex has agreed to pay a $400,000 penalty and take several measures to reduce pollution at the ten-acre Sunbury plant, which manufactures fiberboard for residential and commercial construction.  

"The agreement is a winner for the parties and the environment.  Celotex will take major steps to protect the air quality and the health of the community," said EPA Regional Administrator W. Michael McCabe.  

"The company’s efforts to come into compliance will mean the Sunbury community can breathe easier,"  DEP Secretary James M. Seif said when the Justice Department first filed the settlement for public comment in July.  

The settlement resolves a February 20, 1997 complaint against the Florida-based company, alleging that the Sunbury plant violated federal and state regulations limiting visible emissions of particulate matter and prohibiting fugitive emissions (air pollution not emitted through a flue or stack).  Specifically, EPA and DEP inspectors observed fugitive emissions through roof vents above the fiberboard dryer, and excessive visible emissions from stacks at the plant.  

Both types of violations involve particulate emissions, which have been linked to asthma and other respiratory ailments, and pose particular risks for children and the elderly.  Particulate pollution also leads to reduced visibility.  

The $400,000 penalty will be divided evenly between the U.S. and Pennsylvania.  Celotex will also begin a two-year site improvement program to reduce particulate pollution, including capturing and controlling emissions from the fiberboard dryer at the Sunbury plant.