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EPA reaches agreement with Dow Corning on clean-air violations

Release Date: 02/29/2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA028

CHICAGO (Feb. 29, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Dow Corning Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at two of its production processes at 3901 S. Saginaw Road, Midland, Mich.

The agreement, which includes a $95,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Dow Corning failed to meet several conditions that restrict emissions of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter in the manner required by its state operating permit and state regulations.

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.

Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can affect children, the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases the most.

Information on 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.