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EPA reaches agreement with Sauder on clean-air violations

Release Date: 12/01/2009
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, [email protected]

For Immediate Release
No. 09-OPA234

(Chicago – Dec. 1, 2009) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Sauder Woodworking Co. on alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company’s cogeneration plant at 820 W. Barre Road, Archbold, Ohio.

The agreement, which includes a $79,500 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that, among other things, Sauder violated federal and state regulations by emitting excessive amounts of visible particulates (smoke, dust, ash), nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from its wood-fired boilers.

Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can have adverse health effects, particularly in children, the elderly and people with heart and lung disease.

Nitrogen oxides can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections. They also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog) and acid rain.

Volatile organic compounds also contribute to the formation of smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.

Information about EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.