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EPA reaches agreement with Von Roll on clean-air violations

Release Date: 4/15/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA046

CHICAGO (Apr. 15, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Von Roll America Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's commercial hazardous waste incinerator at 1250 St. George St., East Liverpool, Ohio. EPA assessed a $40,000 penalty.

The agreement resolves an EPA administrative complaint alleging Von Roll discharged more lead and cadmium from its incinerator than is allowed by the Clean Air Act. The metals were discharged during tests in December 2003 and March 2004. The company has fixed the cause of the problem, and in an April 2004 test, emissions from the incinerator complied with the federal standard.

Excessive exposure to lead may cause anemia, kidney disease, reproductive disorders, and neurological impairments such as seizures, mental retardation and behavioral disorders. Children and the unborn are especially susceptible to even low doses of lead.

Exposure to cadmium may cause damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, immune and nervous systems and the blood. Long-term inhalation can increase the risk of lung cancer.