EPA Cites Ashland For Clean-Air Violations

CHICAGO, Aug. 31 /U.S. Newswire/ — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Ashland Specialty Chemical Co. for alleged clean-air violations at the company’s amino and phenolic resin manufacturing plant at 142nd Street and Paxton Avenue., Calumet City, Ill.

EPA alleges that Ashland violated federal hazardous air pollutant emission standards by failing to do required visual inspections and sampling at the plant. Sampling is important because hazardous air pollutants emitted by the amino and phenolic resin manufacturing process include formaldehyde, phenol, methanol, xylene and toluene.

“EPA’s mission is to protect public health and the environment,” said Regional Administrator Thomas V. Skinner. “We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act.”

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Ashland has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

Amino and phenolic resins are used in the manufacture of plywood, particle board, adhesives, wood furniture and plastic parts.

More information on the health effects of hazardous air pollutants is at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/hapindex.html.

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