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Gemini Settles Toxic Chemical Reporting Violations in Harrisonburg

Release Date: 10/5/2004
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Gemini Industries, Inc. will pay a $10,000 penalty for alleged violations of federal toxic chemical reporting requirements at its Gemini Coatings manufacturing plant in Harrisonburg, Va., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today.

EPA cited the Oklahoma-based company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that manufacture, use or process more than a threshold amount of listed toxic chemicals to file an annual toxic chemical release form with EPA and the state. Companies must also report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site.

In a consent agreement with EPA, Gemini Industries agreed to pay a $10,000 penalty for its failure to file required toxic chemical reporting forms for 2001 and 2002 prior to the reporting deadlines. According to EPA, the company unlawfully failed to file timely reports for four toxic chemicals: xylene, toluene, methyl isobutyl ketone, and n-butyl alcohol. NOTE: This case involves reporting violations, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.

The settlement penalty reflects the company=s full cooperation with EPA=s inspection of its plant and prompt compliance efforts. The company agreed to resolve this matter without issuance of a formal complaint.

As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that it is now in compliance with EPCRA requirements.