CHICAGO (Nov. 4, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Degussa
Engineered Carbons LP for alleged clean-air violations at the company's
carbon black plant at 11135 State Rte. 7, Belpre, Ohio.
"We're proposing a $1,549,971 penalty and alleging that Degussa
used a raw material with a higher sulfur content than was permitted,
and emitted more sulfur dioxide than was permitted," said
Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. He said Degussa also
failed to report its excessive emissions.
Degussa has filed an answer to the complaint and requested a hearing.
It may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss
how to resolve the allegations.
Carbon black is a powdery compound made primarily from petroleum
and used to make such things as tires, printing ink, paint and
plastic.
Exposure to sulfur dioxide can impair breathing, aggravate existing
respiratory diseases like bronchitis and reduce the ability of
the lungs to clear foreign particles. Sulfur dioxide can also cause
acid rain and contribute to fine particle pollution. Children,
the elderly and people with existing heart and lung conditions
are most sensitive to sulfur dioxide.
# # #
|
