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EPA Cites Troy Chemical For Violating Chemical Reporting Requirements; Proposes $340,000 Penalty

Release Date: 05/14/1998
Contact Information:

(#98052) New York, N.Y. -- Troy Chemical could face up to $340,000 in penalties for violating two federal environmental laws at its Newark, New Jersey facility. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued two complaints to Troy because it failed to report 1992 and 1993 releases of cumene and xylene, and it failed to submit a report in 1994, which is required every four years, updating the federal Toxic Substance Control Act inventory of chemical substances.

"Federal officials use chemical inventory information submitted by facilities to better evaluate the risk to human health and the environment posed by various chemicals," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "Annual chemical release information keeps the public better informed about chemicals in their communities and provides invaluable information to federal, state and local officials who respond to emergencies."

The federal Toxic Substance Control Act requires facilities to update the national inventory of chemicals manufactured, processed or imported in large quantities in the previous fiscal year every four years. This information, which must be submitted to EPA, gives a snapshot of the kinds and amounts of organic chemicals that are manufactured and used in U.S. commerce. EPA last required the inventory update between August and December of 1994. Troy Chemical did not submit chemical inventory information for five chemicals, and submitted incomplete information for 11 other chemicals that it manufactured, processed or imported. Although the identity of these 16 chemicals is reported to EPA, their names are claimed as trade secrets and are protected under confidential business information regulations. EPA is proposing a penalty of $272,000 for these violations.

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires facilities to submit information about releases of various chemicals into the environment each year. These releases are generally planned releases allowed under various permits, but they also include unplanned or accidental releases. The information is put into a database, called the Toxic Release Inventory, which is available to the public. The public can access information about releases from all facilities in their area. EPA is proposing a penalty of $68,000 for Troy's failure to submit information on the release of cumene and xylene in 1992 and 1993.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]