LENEXA (KAN.), FEB. 22, 2022 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will collect a $130.243 penalty from Champion Brands LLC (producer and seller of automotive lubricants) to address alleged violations of federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. According to EPA the company failed to submit required annual reporting listing toxic chemicals released at the company’s Clinton, Missouri facility..
Communities, especially those already overburdened with pollution, have a legal right to know about toxic substances in their area, according to Wendy Lubbe (acting director of EPA Region 7s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division). Governments and the industry can’t use such data if they fail to report it. This information is important for research and the development of regulations, guidelines and air quality standards..
EPA reviewed Champion Brands records and found that the company had manufactured, processed or used toxic chemicals exceeding the thresholds that required the company submit annual reports to EPA. The company did not submit timely reports for certain glycolethers in 2016, 2017 & 2018, and diethanolamine in 2017, and toluene and toluene respectively in 2017.
The location of the Champion Brands facility in an economically disadvantaged area led to EPA investigating it. To address the adverse effects of industrial operations on vulnerable communities, EPA is strengthening enforcement.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act(EPCRA) requires facilities that store, use, and release hazardous substances to report. The Toxics Release Inventory compiles all information. This allows companies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to make informed decisions.
Learn more about EPCRA.
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