All News Releases By Date

Aristech Chemical Corp. to Pay $20,460 Penalty in Clean Air Act Case - EPA Cited W.Va. Firm for CFC Violations at Plastics Plant

Release Date: 9/29/2000
Contact Information: Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

Donna Heron, 215-814-5113

KENOVA, W.Va. - Aristech Chemical Corp. has agreed to pay a $20,460 penalty to settle an EPA complaint over violations of regulations designed to reduce discharges of ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

In its July 20, 1999 complaint, the agency alleged violations at the Aristech’s polypropylene resin manufacturing plant in Kenova, W.Va., which uses CFC-containing refrigerants to produce small plastic pellets.

Specifically, EPA cited Aristech for failing to have proper, certified CFC- refrigerant recovery equipment; failing to verify leak repairs; failing to keep service records; and failing to maintain technician certification at the place of business.

Aristech was cited under Clean Air Act regulations designed to prevent CFCs from escaping into the atmosphere during equipment repairs. The company neither admitted nor denied liability of the alleged violations in the settlement papers.

According to the consent agreement, EPA dismissed with prejudice one count against Aristech after the company brought their refrigerant recovery equipment for open heating ventilation and air conditioning appliances into compliance.

Scientists worldwide believe that CFCs contribute to the destruction of the earth=s stratospheric ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Ozone loss in the atmosphere is likely to lead to an increase in skin cancer in humans and damage to plant and animal life.

For more information on CFCs and stratospheric ozone, please call the Stratospheric Ozone Information Hotline, 1-800-296-1996.