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February 27, 2008

EPA: Four R.I. companies paying penalties

Four Rhode Island companies have been assessed $2,000 fines by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for not filing reports on chemicals present at their facilities.

An EPA news release today said the local companies are Geib Refining Corp. in Warwick, National Chain Co. in Warwick, Technodic Inc. in Providence, and M. Weisman Roofing Co. in Warwick. They are among 11 New England companies that have been assessed fines.

The EPA said it reached settlements with the companies after inspections found they failed to report as required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The hazardous chemical inventory reports give information on "nature, amount, location, and hazards of chemicals stored at the facility," the EPA statement said.

“Chemical reporting is very important for the public-at-large, and it is essential for the safety of first responders if there is an accident at one of these facilities,” Robert Varney, EPA's New England administrator, said in the statement. “Regular reporting of hazardous chemicals helps first responders to protect themselves, and protect the public, if there is a fire or other dangerous event at a facility. Officials also use this information for disaster planning -- for example when simulating a response to a hurricane.”

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 5:45 PM | Permalink

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