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Croda, Inc. To Pay $225,000 Penalty for Alleged Toxic Chemical Reporting Violations

Release Date: 7/20/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Croda, Inc. has settled violations of federal toxic chemical reporting regulations at its manufacturing plant in Mill Hall, Pa. In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $225,000 penalty for failing to file required annual reports on releases of toxic chemicals at its organic chemicals manufacturing plant. Croda voluntarily disclosed these violations to EPA in 1999.

EPA cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The law requires companies that 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 of those chemicals contained in wastes transferred off-site. The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual Toxic Release Inventory, which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution trends and identify pollution prevention opportunities.

In June 1999, the company reported to EPA that it had failed to file required reports for 12 chemicals manufactured, processed or used at its plant in the 1995, 1996 and 1997. The chemicals included benzyl chloride, chloracetic acid, diethyl sulfate, epichlorohydrin, phosphoric acid, chloromethane, ethylene oxide, n-hexane , propylene oxide, diemethyl sulfate, diethanolamine, and methanol. This case involves alleged reporting violations, and not unlawful releases of toxic chemicals.

Because Croda reported these violations over six months after discovering the noncompliance in late 1998, the company did not qualify for a penalty waiver under EPA’s self-audit and disclosure policies. However, the settlement penalty reflects the company’s voluntary disclosure of the violation and its cooperation with EPA’s investigation of this matter. The company has also certified that it is now in compliance with reporting requirements.