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Tube Methods, Inc., to Pay $56,538 Penalty For Alleged Toxic Chemical Reporting Violation

Release Date: 1/17/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled an administrative complaint against Tube Methods, Inc., for violations of the federal toxic chemical reporting statute.

Under the terms of the administrative consent agreement, the company will pay a $56,538 penalty for its alleged failure to file required notifications on three chemicals used or processed at its stainless steel tubing products plant in Bridgeport, Pa.

EPA cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that use or process more than a threshold amount of listed toxic chemicals to file an annual toxic chemical release form with EPA and the state. Companies must also report both routine and accidental releases of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site.

The reports provide the basis for EPA’s annual Toxic Release Inventory, which is provided to the public and regulatory authorities to track pollution trends and identify pollution prevention opportunities.

EPA alleged that Tube Methods, Inc., failed to file timely reports for chromium, nickel, and trichloroethylene for 1995 and 1996, and failed to file reports for nickel and trichloroethylene for 1997. The complaint involved a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of these chemicals.