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Goldschmidt Industrial Chemical Corp. Settles EPA Complaint Alleging Hazardous Chemical Reporting Violations

Release Date: 9/24/2003
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

Contact: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Goldschmidt Industrial Chemical Corp. has settled alleged violations of hazardous chemical reporting regulations at its plant in McDonald, Pa.

In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $20,110 penalty for failing to notify emergency response agencies of a hazardous chemical (nitric acid) stored at the plant in 2001. Please note: This case involves allegations of reporting violations, and not unlawful releases of toxic or hazardous chemicals.

EPA cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that use or process more than a threshold amount of listed hazardous chemicals to file an annual emergency and hazardous chemical inventory form with EPA, and state, county, and local emergency response agencies. Companies must annually report the maximum amount of any hazardous chemicals at the facility, the average daily amount of hazardous chemicals, and the general location of the hazardous chemicals at the plant. The forms provide information needed in the event of an incident that requires a response from emergency personnel.

According to EPA, the company failed to file an annual form that included nitric acid used at the facility in January 2001.

The penalty reflects the company’s cooperation in the investigation and settlement of this case, and its prompt compliance efforts. In the settlement papers, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for these alleged violations.