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EPA reaches agreement with Riceland Cabinet on clean-air violations

Release Date: 05/20/2008
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 08-OPA091

CHICAGO (May 20, 2008) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Riceland Cabinet Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's wood furniture manufacturing plant at 11597 E. Lincolnway, Orrville, Ohio.

The agreement, which includes a $150,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Riceland operated its plant without the required permits. In addition, EPA said the company failed to comply with notification, recordkeeping and reporting requirements for wood furniture manufacturers.

EPA said the Riceland facility is a major source of the hazardous air pollutant toluene. Breathing high levels of toluene affects the brain and can cause headaches, confusion, dizziness, sleepiness and memory loss.

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