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PA OREGON COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS
Release Date: 01/16/98
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FOR RELEASE: JANUARY 16, 1998
OREGON COMPANY PLEADS GUILTY TO CLEAN WATER ACT VIOLATIONS
On Jan. 6, Oregon Fuel Injection Inc. (OFI), a business located in Eugene, Ore., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Eugene to two counts of violating the Clean Water Act by discharging hazardous waste into the publicly-owned sewer systems of the cities of Eugene and Medford. OFI rebuilds fuel injectors and other parts used in diesel engines. In the process, OFI bathed the parts in a tank containing a solvent known as “Zepresto” to loosen accumulated dirt, oil, grease and other materials. This solvent contains 40-50% methylene chloride, which can cause blindness and the destruction of human skin on contact. If inhaled for a prolonged period, Zepresto can damage the liver, the kidneys and the central nervous system. It can also cause cancer. Another ingredient in Zepresto is cresylic acid, which is highly toxic and corrosive. It’s probable lethal dose for humans is one ounce or greater. From Oct. 1, 1990 to July 13, 1995 OFI illegally used pipes installed in solvent collection basins to divert spent solvent into the sewer systems. As part of the plea agreement, the federal government and OFI recommended that the court impose a $50,000 fine on OFI and place the company on five years probation, during which OFI will be subject to stringent oversight by EPA and Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, and OFI must perform 1,000 hours of community service designed to benefit the environment. Sentencing is set for March 31. This case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI.
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