CHICAGO (April 7, 2004) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has cited eight companies — three in Michigan, two
in Ohio and one each in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin —
for alleged violations of federal architectural coating rules. Architectural
coatings are paints and similar coverings used on building exteriors,
pavements and curbs.
EPA allegations against the companies include making coatings that
exceed limits on smog-producing volatile organic compounds, not
correctly labeling products and not submitting proper notifications
to EPA.
“Smog can cause serious health problems — especially
for children and the elderly,” said Acting Regional Administrator
Bharat Mathur. “There may be an industry-wide problem with
compliance with these rules, so we encourage manufacturers to contact
EPA if they believe they have violations before EPA investigates
their plants.” Mathur said self-disclosure is taken into consideration
when penalties are assessed.
Companies that believe they have violations and decide to self-disclose
should contact George Czerniak, chief of the regional air enforcement
branch, at 312-353-2088.
The Michigan companies are: Lymtal International Inc., 4150 S.
Laper Road, Lake Orion; Nelson Paint Co., One Nelson Drive, Kingsford;
and Pro Coatings Inc., 233 ½ Prospect St., Sparta. The Ohio
companies are: Aexcel Corp., 7373 Production Dr., Mentor; and Republic
Powdered Metals Inc., 3735 Green Road, Beachwood.
The other companies are: Carbit Paint Co., 927 W. Blackhawk St.,
Chicago, Ill.; Viking Paints Inc., 100 W. 78th St., Richfield, Minn.;
and Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc., 4150 Wyetta Drive, Beloit, Wis.
These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them,
EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty
or bring suit against the companies. The companies have 30 days
from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss the allegations
and how to resolve them.
Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level
ozone, or smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of air pollutants
is baked in the hot summer sun. Smog can cause a variety of respiratory
problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and
chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially
at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.
Self-disclosure information is at www.epa.gov/compliance/incentives/auditing/auditpolicy.html
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