CHICAGO (Nov. 2, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Elyria Recycling Co. for alleged
violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the
company's scrap processing facility at 800 Infirmary Road, Elyria,
Ohio.
EPA alleges Elyria Recycling failed to recover refrigerants containing
ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons from appliances or to verify
if they had been removed before disposal. In addition, EPA said
the company failed to keep copies of signed statements verifying
CFC removal for at least three years.
"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."
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. Elyria Recycling has 30 days
from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving
the allegations.
When CFC refrigerants deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, dangerous
amounts of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays from the sun strike
the earth. Production of some of these chemicals was stopped in
1995, and federal law strictly controls their use and handling.
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