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Hazardous chemical reporting roundup: EPA settles 4 Michigan and Ohio cases

Release Date: 02/09/2006
Contact Information: Mick Hans, (312) 353-5050

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA023


CHICAGO (Feb. 9, 2006) - Four cases involving hazardous chemical reporting violations were settled recently by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5. The facilities are location in Monroe and River Rouge, Mich., and Cincinnati and Sandusky, Ohio.

"Federal law requires notification to local authorities of hazardous chemicals storage," said Richard Karl, Regional EPA Superfund Division Director. "In the event of a fire or emergency, responders need to know what they're dealing with so they can take steps to protect people living or working in the area."

Michigan Paving & Materials, 3125 E. Front St., Monroe, paid $12,400 to resolve EPA's June 2005 complaint for failure to submit to state and local authorities the required 2002 chemical inventory forms for 56 million gallons of liquid asphalt. Liquid asphalt contains hydrogen sulfide, which can irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Prior to 2002, the company had never submitted the required forms. Along with the fine, Michigan Paving & Materials agreed to perform a supplemental environmental project in which it will purchase two rough-duty emergency response computers and response equipment, including a trailer, for the Monroe Fire Department at a cost of $35,272.

Michigan Marine Terminal, 225 Marion Ave., River Rouge, paid $7,518 to resolve EPA's alleged violations for failure to submit to state and local authorities the required 2002 chemical inventory forms for five petroleum products stored in quantities of more than 10,000 pounds. This included more than 215 million pounds of liquid asphalt. Prior to 2002, the company had never submitted the required forms. Along with the fine, Michigan Marine Terminal agreed to perform an eight-part supplemental environmental project, primarily involving environmental compliance and site security enhancements. The company also assisted the U.S. Coast Guard during a 2005 emergency response exercise. Total value of the project: $29,725.

Caraustar Industries, 5500 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, paid $40,000 to resolve EPA's August 2005 complaint for failure to submit to state and local authorities the required 2003 chemical inventory forms for 330,000 pounds of #6 fuel oil. Prior to 2003, the company had never submitted the required forms. The material is flammable, hazardous and can irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Caraustar recycles paper used in the manufacturing of paperboard.

Thorworks Industries, 2520 Campbell St., Sandusky, paid $9,389 to resolve EPA's September 2004 complaint for failure to submit to state and local authorities the required 2001-2003 chemical inventory forms for 29 hazardous chemicals stored on-site, including liquid asphalt. Prior to 2001, the company had never submitted the required forms. Along with the fine, the company agreed to perform a supplemental environmental project in which it will participate in a two-year assessment of environmental compliance, build a special production area for non-coal tar sealers, install a cardboard baler and assist the Sandusky Fire Department with hazardous materials training exercises. Value of the project: $42,449.