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Stanley Furniture Co. Cited for Clean Air Act Violations at Virginia - EPA Complaint Seeks $174,831 Penalty

Release Date: 7/14/1999
Contact Information: Donna M. Heron 215-814-5513

STANLEYTOWN, Va. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, today announced that it has filed a complaint against Stanley Furniture Company for Clean Air Act violations at its furniture manufacturing plant in Stanleytown, Va.

In its administrative complaint, EPA alleges that a wood and coal-fired boiler at the plant exceeded federally-enforceable Virginia regulations on particulate pollution. The boiler allegedly exceeded allowable particulate emission rates for five years before an EPA-ordered emission test in July 1998. The agency seeks a $174,831 penalty for this violation. The company reportedly has since brought both boilers into compliance with air pollution limits.

The Clean Air Act regulates pollution from particulate matter, which may include dust, soot, and various small solid and liquid byproducts of fuel combustion. These microscopic particles can cause damage to lung tissue, resulting in cardio-pulmonary stress, illness or premature death. Asthma and other respiratory disorders can be aggravated by increased concentrations of particulate matter.

The company may request a hearing on the alleged violation and the proposed penalty.