Catalyst Maker Fined for Not Disclosing Toxic Chemical Info
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Oxnard, Calif.- based Catalytic Solutions Inc. $16,970 for failing to submit toxic chemical reports detailing the amount of nitrates it released, a violation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The company manufactures catalysts for motor vehicle and energy applications.
"This penalty against Catalytic Solutions Inc. demonstrates that we closely watch over chemical reporting practices and are serious about enforcing community right-to-know laws," said Enrique Manzanilla, Communities and Ecosystems Division director for EPA's Pacific Southwest region. "Because exposure to high levels of nitrates causes a wide range of illnesses and environmental damage, communities need to know when these chemicals have been released."
According to EPA, Catalytic Solutions processed more than 55,000 pounds of nitrate compounds in 2005, and more than 65,000 pounds in 2006. However, as required by federal emergency planning and right-to-know laws, the company failed to submit reports to EPA listing the amount of these processed chemicals released to the environment. The agency became aware of these violations when the company self-reported its failure to file a report for 2005.
Each year EPA compiles the information submitted to it from the previous year regarding toxic chemical releases, producing a national Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) database for public availability. The TRI database estimates the amount of each toxic chemical released to the environment, treated or recycled on-site, or transferred off-site for waste management. For more information on the TRI program, visit www.epa.gov/tri. The EPA’s TRI program data, as well as other environmental databases, can be accessed at www.epa.gov/enviro.