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PA Metal Company to Reduce Toxic Chemical Use to Settle Complaint

Release Date: 2/19/1999
Contact Information: Ruth Podems, (215) 814-5540

KERSEY, Pa. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has settled its complaint against Elco Sintered Alloys, Inc. of Kersey, Pa., for violations of the federal toxic chemical reporting statute.

In today’s settlement, the powdered metal products manufacturer has agreed to pay a $2,960 penalty and complete a $100,000 special project to eliminate from its manufacturing process methyl alcohol, one of the chemicals at issue in EPA’s complaint.

In its April 1995 complaint, EPA cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act which requires companies that use 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.  

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.  

EPA alleged that Elco failed to file timely reports for copper and methyl alcohol in 1990, 1991, and 1992.  (Note: The complaint involved a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.)

In addition to the $2,960 penalty, Elco has agreed to eliminate its annual use of approximately 15,000 pounds of methyl alcohol, a toxic chemical, from its manufacturing process.

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