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EPA cites Quebecor World St. Cloud for clean-air violations

Release Date: 5/20/2005
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA068

CHICAGO (May 20, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Quebecor World St. Cloud Inc. for alleged violations of EPA regulations to protect stratospheric ozone at the company's printing plant at 660 Mayhew Lake Road N.E., St. Cloud, Minn.

EPA alleges that Quebecor failed to repair refrigeration equipment that leaked excessive amounts of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs. In addition, EPA said the company violated testing, recordkeeping, notification, and retrofit and retirement planning requirements for the equipment.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Quebecor has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

When CFC refrigerants deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, dangerous amounts of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the earth. Production of some of these chemicals was stopped in 1995, and federal law strictly controls their use and handling.