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EPA cites Lesaffre for clean-air violations

Release Date: 01/12/2007
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA010

CHICAGO (Jan. 12, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Lesaffre Yeast Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at a yeast manufacturing plant at 433 E. Michigan St., Milwaukee, Wis. EPA said the violations occurred before the plant was closed in December 2005.

The EPA complaint alleges that major changes were made to the plant in 1996 and 2000 that increased ozone-producing volatile organic compound emissions without getting permits requiring additional pollution controls.

The complaint also alleges a series of incidents between March 2002 and December 2003 during which the plant violated limits on volatile organic compound emissions.

Lesaffre has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing. The company may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss resolving the allegations.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone. The Milwaukee area does not meet national outdoor air quality standards for ozone.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.