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U.S. EPA, KF FIBERGLASS SETTLE RIGHT-TO-KNOW CASE FOR $15,989

Release Date: 2/17/1999
Contact Information: Leo Kay, U.S. EPA (415) 744-2201

     (SAN FRANCISCO) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently settled a complaint against KF Fiberglass, Inc., of Downey, Calif., that calls for the facility to pay a civil penalty of $15,989 for allegedly violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.  

     The U.S. EPA alleged that KF Fiberglass, Inc.’s facility on Phlox Street failed to file  reports estimating its releases of styrene to the environment in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996.  Long term exposure to styrene -- a colorless liquid used primarily in the production of polystyrene and resins -- can result in effects on the central nervous system, such as headache, fatigue, weakness and depression.

     EPA inspectors discovered the alleged violations during a routine inspection in 1997.

     "Companies working with hazardous waste hold a civic and public health responsibility to their employees and the surrounding neighborhood to report chemical use and disposal," said Kathy Taylor, the U.S. EPA’s senior assistant for pesticides and toxics in Region 9.  "This penalty should send a message to others that we are maintaining a close watch over companies’ chemical reporting practices."

     Federal law requires certain facilities with 10 or more employees that use or manufacture listed toxic chemicals over certain amounts to file annual reports with the U.S. EPA and the state in which these facilities are located. The reports provide estimates of the amounts of each toxic chemical released to the environment, treated or recycled on-site, or transferred off-site for waste management.  This information is then compiled into a national database and made available to the public.  

     Each year the U.S. EPA publishes a report entitled the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Public Data Release, which summarized the prior years submissions and provides detailed trend analysis of toxic chemical releases.  More information on the program can be obtained by calling (800) 535-0202.  The U.S. EPA’s environmental databases, including TRI data, can also be accessed via the Internet by visiting www.epa.gov/enviro.