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EPA SEEKS $58,300 PENALTY AGAINST ARISTECH - W.Va. Company Cited for CFC Violations at Plastics Plant

Release Date: 8/3/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

KENOVA, W.Va. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that it has cited Aristech Chemical Corp. for violating federal regulations designed to reduce the discharge of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

In a Clean Air Act administrative complaint, EPA seeks a $58,300 penalty for alleged CFC violations at the Aristech’s polypropylene resin manufacturing plant in Kenova, W. Va. The plant uses CFC-containing refrigerants in its production of resins used in the manufacture of plastics.

EPA’s July 20 complaint cited Aristech for failing to have proper, certified CFC- refrigerant recovery equipment; failing to verify leak repairs; failing to keep service records; and failing to maintain technician certification at the place of business.

Aristech was cited under Clean Air Act regulations designed to prevent CFCs from escaping into the atmosphere during equipment repairs. The company has the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.

Scientists worldwide believe that CFCs contribute to the destruction of the earth’s stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone loss in the atmosphere is likely to lead to an increase in skin cancer in humans and damage to plant and animal life.

For more information on CFCs and stratospheric ozone, please call the Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline, 1-800-296-1996.