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EPA and DOJ reach agreement with Von Roll on clean-air and hazardous-waste violations

Release Date: 12/05/2006
Contact Information: Anne Rowan, (312) 353-9391, [email protected]

CHICAGO (Dec. 5, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice have reached an agreement with Von Roll America Inc. on alleged clean-air and hazardous-waste violations at the company's commercial hazardous waste incinerator at 1250 St. George St., East Liverpool, Ohio.

The consent decree resolves a judicial complaint that alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Von Roll has been ordered to comply with designated statutes, pay a penalty of $750,000 and implement a $34,000 environmental project which will enhance environmental protection in and around East Liverpool.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that Von Roll failed to properly operate, monitor and maintain its vapor collection and carbon adsorption systems. It ensures that emissions of benzene and other volatile organic compounds from hazardous waste storage tanks will be reduced. The company will also sponsor a household hazardous waste collection in fall 2007.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen. Researchers have determined that exposure to benzene causes acute non-lymophocytic leukemia and other blood-related disorders. VOCs react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone. Ozone can cause respiratory problems and often permanent lung damage.

Information on EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Information on the region's hazardous waste enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/enforcement/ecab.htm.