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STANLEY FURNITURE SETTLES AIR CASE AGAINST VIRGINIA PLANT - Company to Pay $57,000 Penalty, Complete $237,000 Environmental Project

Release Date: 9/27/2000
Contact Information: David Sternberg, (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg, 215-814-5548

STANLEYTOWN, Va. -- Stanley Furniture Company and EPA have reached a settlement of EPA’s complaint over alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company’s furniture manufacturing plant in Stanleytown, Va.

EPA alleged that a wood and coal-fired boiler at the plant exceeded federally-enforceable Virginia regulations limiting particulate or dust pollution. The boiler exceeded allowable particulate emission rates for five years before an EPA-ordered emission test in July 1998. The company has since brought this boiler into compliance with particulate pollution limits.

“EPA remains vigilant in holding operators of older boilers accountable for air pollution. This settlement resolves past violations, and reflects the company’s efforts to bring the old boiler into compliance,” said EPA Regional Administrator Bradley Campbell.

Under the terms of a consent agreement, Stanley will pay a $57,000 penalty and complete a special $237,000 project. This five-year project, which goes beyond what is required by federal and state regulations, requires the company to replace six spray booths on its furniture finishing line with new booths that control particulate emissions.

The Clean Air Act regulates pollution from particulate matter, which may include dust, soot, and various small solid and liquid byproducts of fuel combustion. These microscopic particles can cause damage to lung tissue and result in cardio-pulmonary stress resulting in illness or premature death. Asthma and other respiratory disorders can be aggravated by increased concentration of particulate matter.

The company has neither admitted nor denied liability for Clean Air Act violations in the settlement agreement.