Cooley Inc. to pay EPA fines of $84.5K

COOLEY INC. HAS BROUGHT emissions at its Pawtucket plant into compliance and agreed to pay fines totaling $84,465, the EPA said. /
COOLEY INC. HAS BROUGHT emissions at its Pawtucket plant into compliance and agreed to pay fines totaling $84,465, the EPA said. /

BOSTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Cooley Inc., a Pawtucket-based manufacturer of coated fabrics and other high-performance materials, will pay fines of $84,465 for alleged violations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) regulations and the federal Clean Air Act.
Cooley Inc. designs, develops and manufactures materials for the U.S. and global markets, for applications including medical products, environmental containment, fuel and water tanks, roofing membranes, outdoor advertising, illuminated signs and commercial awnings.
According to EPA inspectors, Cooley used PCB-contaminated surfaces at the plant but failed to meet the required cleanup standard and other requirements. Exposure to PCBs is known to cause liver problems and skin rashes. The chemicals, which persist in the environment, also are suspected carcinogens.
The company also is settling a Clean Air Act charge for allegedly failing to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants – chiefly, toluene – by the required 97 percent. Cooley was unable to meet the emissions standard with its existing thermal oxidizer, but has since installed a new oxidizer and is now in compliance, the EPA said. Low levels of toluene may affect the nervous system, while higher levels may also effect the kidneys, the agency said.
Cooley will pay fines of $43,845 on the PCB charge and $40,620 for the emissions-control violations, the EPA said.
“PCBs and hazardous air pollutants pose a significant risk to public health,” Robert W. Varney, regional administrator for the EPA’s New England office, said in a statement. “It is important that companies using these substances take measures to ensure they are complying with all environmental regulations.
“Cooley corrected its violations quickly and paid a substantial fine without going to trial – a good result for EPA and New England’s environment,” Varney added.
Additional information on PCBs and their management is available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at epa.gov/pcb, while information on EPA air-quality enforcement efforts in New England is available at epa.gov/region1/.

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