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U.S. EPA, AUSTIN PLASTICS SETTLE RIGHT-TO-KNOW CASE FOR $10,529

Release Date: 5/23/2001
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano, U.S. EPA, 415/744-1587

     SAN FRANCISCO, CA   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settled a complaint last week against Austin Plastics, a manufacturer in Huntington Beach, that requires the company to pay $10,529 for alleged federal community right-to-know violations.  

     The U.S. EPA alleged that the Austin Plastics facility at 18061 Redondo Circle failed to file complete and accurate reports estimating its releases of toxic chemicals to the environment.  Specifically, EPA alleged three counts of failure to submit a timely Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Form ("Form R") for styrene.  Austin Plastics manufactures grocery store displays, plastic bags, and other small plastic products.

     "Companies who handle hazardous chemicals owe it to their employees and the surrounding community to report how those materials are being used, stored and disposed of," said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the EPA's Cross Media Division in San Francisco.  "We intend on making sure that communities remain aware of chemical use in their neighborhood."

     EPA staff discovered the alleged violations during a multi-media environmental inspection on January 4, 2000.  The EPA initially issued the complaint to Austin Plastics on August 23, 2000.

     The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires annual reports to the EPA and the state from facilities that use or manufacture certain toxic chemicals over a specified amount.  The reports provide estimates of the amounts of each toxic chemical released to the environment, treated or recycled on-site, or transferred off-site to another facility.  Each year the EPA publishes a report entitled the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), which summarizes the prior year's submissions and provides detailed trend analysis of toxic chemical releases.  

      A copy of the TRI Public Data Release can be obtained by calling (800) 535-0202.  Environmental databases, including TRI data, can also be accessed via the Internet by visiting U.S. EPA Envirofacts Warehouse Home Page at www.epa.gov/enviro.