CHICAGO (April 28, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has cited Applied Composites Corp. for alleged clean-air
violations at the company's fiberglass plastics manufacturing plant
at 333 N. Sixth St., St. Charles, Ill.
EPA alleges that the Applied Composites plant emits more than
twice the amount of smog-producing volatile organic compounds as
Illinois clean-air regulations allow.
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. Applied Composites has 30 days
from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss the allegations
and how to resolve them.
"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said
Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take
whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air
Act."
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.
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