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EPA reaches agreement with BRC Rubber and Plastics on clean-air violations

Release Date: 05/19/2009
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-OPA091


(Chicago - May 19, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with BRC Rubber and Plastics Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's automotive parts manufacturing and coating plant at 623 Monroe St., Montpelier, Ind.

The agreement, which includes an $18,017 penalty and an environmental project costing $82,450, resolves EPA allegations that the BRC plant emitted excessive amounts of organic hazardous air pollutants in violation of federal regulations and its state operating permit.

BRC has agreed to complete an environmental project designed to protect public health and the environment by reducing volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutant emissions. The company will retrofit two of its coating lines to improve adhesive transfer efficiency and operate the equipment for at least five years.

Hazardous air pollutants may cause serious health effects including birth defects and cancer. They may also cause harmful environmental and ecological effects.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog). Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause 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.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.