CHICAGO (March 8, 2004) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has settled an administrative complaint against Stolle
Products, 1501 Michigan St., in Sidney, Ohio, for violation of federal
laws on the reporting of a hazardous chemical release.
EPA’s consent decree and final order with Stolle includes
a $9,280 fine and an environmental project valued at $24,872. In
its complaint, filed July 17, 2003, EPA alleged that on March 22,
2003, at 8:30 a.m., a worker mixed incompatible chemicals in a dip
tank used to treat metal parts at the metal fabricating company,
a division of American Trim LLC. A chemical reaction resulted in
the release of an estimated 280 pounds of nitrogen dioxide from
the facility.
Federal laws require facilities to immediately notify the National
Response Center, state and local authorities about any nitrogen
dioxide release greater than 10 pounds. Though Stolle reported the
release to the Shelby County local emergency planning committee
and the Sidney fire department arrived at the site shortly after
the incident, the company failed to notify the state or NRC until
about 5 p.m., more than eight hours after the incident.
In addition to the fine, Stolle agreed, under EPA’s “supplemental
environmental project” policy, to purchase and donate new
chemical gas detection equipment to the Sidney Fire Department.
The equipment, which can identify 100 different chemicals, is valued
at $24,872.
About Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. People
exposed to large amounts can experience headaches, nausea, chest
pains and difficulty breathing.
# # #
|
