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Olin To Upgrade County's Tracking Of Air Releases And Pay $47,800 For Failure To Report 1993 Toxic Releases At Its Niagara Falls Plant

Release Date: 07/29/1998
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(#98091) NEW YORK, N.Y. -- In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for past violations of federal accidental release reporting requirements at its Niagara Falls, plant, the Olin Corporation has agreed to upgrade the Niagara County Health Department's emergency response program. EPA cited the Olin Corporation for failing to report two 1993 chlorine air releases of more than 10 pounds each at its manufacturing plant at 2400 Buffalo Avenue. Olin will pay for new air release monitoring and recording equipment and a $47,800 fine.

"We are very pleased that this case has been resolved and will result in a tangible benefit to the communities surrounding the Olin plant, said EPA Regional Administrator Jeanne M. Fox. "The reporting requirements provide invaluable information to emergency response personnel and members of the community."

Under the Emergency Planning and Community-Right-To-Know Act and Superfund, owners and operators of facilities that release a hazardous substance beyond a set reportable quantity must immediately notify EPA's National Response Center, the State Emergency Response Commission and the Emergency Planning Committees of all states and districts likely to be affected by the release. The reportable quantity for chlorine is 10 pounds.

Under the terms of this agreement, Olin will spend $26,439 on equipment that will enable the County to detect, monitor and respond more promptly to releases of hazardous substances or chemicals into the air. The new equipment will include: desktop and notebook computers, weather stations, Geolink software, portable air monitoring equipment, respirator cartridges and computer printers.

For more information contact:
Mike Basile, Press Office
EPA Region 2 Niagara Field Office
345 third Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Voice: 716-285-8842 FAX: 716-285-8788 E-Mail: [email protected]