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Accurate Forging Corp. Settles EPA Complaint for Chemical Reporting Violations - Company pays penalty and buys equipment to reduce metals at Connecticut plant

Release Date: 5/16/2000
Contact Information: Ruth Podems (215) 814-5540

Ruth Podems, 215-814-5540

BRAVE, Pa. -- Accurate Forging Corp., owner of an aluminum and brass forging plant here will pay a $21,000 penalty and complete a $130,500 environmental project to settle alleged violations of toxic chemical reporting requirements.

EPA’s May 1999 administrative complaint alleged that the company violated the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that manufacture, process or use more than a threshold amount of regulated chemicals to file an annual toxic chemical release form with EPA and the state.

Companies must 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.

According to EPA, the company failed to file timely reports on copper and nitric acid processed or used at the plant in 1995 and 1996, and lead processed there in 1995, 1996 and 1997. (Note: The complaint alleges a reporting violation, and not an unlawful release of these substances). The company took prompt action to file the required EPCRA reports after EPA’s inspection, and cooperated in EPA’s investigation and settlement discussions.

In addition to the penalty, the company will complete a $130,500 project that exceeds the requirements of federal and state environmental regulations. The company will design, install and operate a scrubber system in its Bristol, Conn. plant that is expected to reduce lead and copper emissions by at least 90 percent.
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