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EPA PROPOSES STIFF FINE AGAINST PROVIDENCE-BASED METAL FINISHING COMPANY

Release Date: 01/08/1999
Contact Information: Peyton Fleming, EPA Press Office (617-918-1008)

BOSTON - Amid an aggressive effort to bring metal finishers into compliance with environmental laws, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a $1.15 million civil penalty against a Providence, R.I.-based metal finishing company for numerous environmental violations dating back to November 1997.

The penalty, proposed this week as part of a 42-page administrative complaint, stems from various hazardous waste and air violations at the Microfin Corp.'s chrome- and nickel-plating facility at 555 Valley St. in Providence. The facility is adjacent to the Woonasquatucket River.

Among other problems, Microfin was cited for allowing large amounts of chrome- and lead-contaminated liquid wastes to accumulate on the company's concrete floor. The violations were discovered during an inspection last April.

EPA inspectors also found numerous hazardous waste violations, including improperly labeled containers and containers that did not have secondary containment systems for capturing leaks and spills. The inspectors also found that employees handling these hazardous materials had received almost no waste management training.

The administrative complaint against Microfin requires the company to decontaminate the concrete floor and investigate any floor cracks to determine if chrome or lead wastes leaked into underlying soils. The complaint also requires immediate action to comply with hazardous waste handling laws.

"Microfin's sloppy handling of hazardous waste poses a potential threat to soils underneath the building and to the nearby Woonasquatucket River," said John P. DeVillars, New England Administrator of the EPA. "The violations are especially disturbing given Microfin's problems a half-dozen years ago when chrome wastes leaked through the concrete floors, causing soil contamination that required excavation and cleanup."

Human studies have clearly established that inhaled chromium is a human carcinogen, resulting in increased risk of lung cancer.

Microfin also was cited for emitting chromium fumes at more than twice the levels allowed under federal regulations. Microfin's emission violations continued from November 1997 to May 1998, when the company installed new air pollution control equipment in response to EPA notification.

The proposed penalty comes amid an aggressive effort by the EPA and other groups to help Rhode Island's many metal finishing companies come into compliance with environmental laws.

Much of the work is being done through the EPA's Metal Finishing Strategic Goals Program, a three-year-old program that is encouraging metal finishers to meet aggressive pollution reduction goals by the year 2002. The national program was launched in partnership with industry groups, environmental groups and state and local regulators.

Companies that sign up for the program - so far, a dozen Rhode Island metal finishers have done so - receive compliance and pollution prevention assistance. And, as companies work toward meeting the goals, they'll be rewarded with more-flexible regulatory oversight from the EPA and state environmental regulators.

Relating to this effort, the Narragansett Bay Commission on Wednesday, Jan. 13, will be holding a half-day training seminar in Providence to help metal finishers come into compliance with environmental laws. Two-dozen metal finishing companies have signed up for the 9 a.m.-to-noon training session, which is being funded through an EPA grant. Five additional seminars will be held later this year.

"The EPA is eager to help and reward metal finishers that go above and beyond in complying with environmental laws," DeVillars said. "Companies that are not willing to comply with environmental laws, however, can expect an aggressive effort from EPA to force them to come into compliance."

Referring to the proposed penalty, DeVillars said, "Microfin committed wholesale violations of hazardous waste and clean air regulations. And they will pay the price for doing so - both by coming into compliance and by paying a fine. However, provided that Microfin promptly achieves full compliance, EPA will not force the company to pay higher penalties than its financial condition can support. We'll take into account their ability to pay in the ultimate resolution of this problem."