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Mercury Marine agrees to EPA order to meet air pollutant standards

Release Date: 6/1/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA085

CHICAGO (June 1, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has issued an administrative consent order to Mercury Marine that requires the company to comply with federal hazardous air pollutant emissions standards at its aluminum recovery plant at W6250 Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, Wis.

EPA cited Mercury Marine last September for failing to comply with these standards. Specifically, EPA said the company failed to meet operating, planning, notification, reporting, testing and recordkeeping requirements for its plant.

The administrative order does not limit EPA's authority to seek appropriate relief, including penalties, for Mercury Marine's alleged violation of these clean-air regulations.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

Hazardous air pollutants may cause serious health effects, including birth defects and cancer. They may also cause harmful environmental and ecological effects.