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EPA CITES VIRGINIA MANUFACTURER FOR VIOLATING TOXIC CHEMICAL REPORTING LAW

Release Date: 10/7/1998
Contact Information: Bonnie J. Smith (215) 814-5543 William Smith (215) 814-2690

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has cited MW Manufacturing, Inc., a door and windows manufacturing operation in Rocky Mount, Va., for violating federal toxic chemical reporting regulations.

In its administrative complaint, EPA alleges that the company violated the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by failing to file required reports on two toxic chemicals used at the plant in 1994 and 1995.   EPA is seeking a $68,000 penalty for these violations.

In its complaint, EPA alleges that the company failed to timely report the amounts of manganese and toluene released at the facility in 1994 and 1995.  Toluene exposure may damage the human nervous system, kidneys, liver, and heart.  Chronic exposure to high levels of manganese may result in damage to the central nervous system.  It is important to note that the complaint alleges a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.

EPCRA requires companies that manufacture, process or use more than a threshold amount of regulated chemicals to file an annual toxic chemical release form with EPA and the state.  Companies must report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals in the facility plus the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site.  

The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual Toxic Release Inventory, which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution trends and identify pollution prevention opportunities.  

The company has the right to a hearing before an administrative law judge to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.

To View All Press Releases: https://www.epa.gov/region3/r3press/r3press.htm

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