BOSTON – Pearson Composites LLC of Warren faces a proposed fine of $264,349 under a federal Clean Air Act complaint filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the agency’s New England regional office announced today.
The EPA contends that the company has violated five provisions of federal hazardous air-pollutant standards for boat builders and two provisions of its state clean air operating permit.
“Pearson’s manufacturing processes, which involve various chemicals, release significant quantities of hazardous air pollutants, primarily styrene,” the agency said in its announcement.
A manufacturer of fiberglass sail and power boats, Pearson produces hulls, decks and small parts in fiberglass using open molds, then adds wood furnishings, upholstery and other items to complete the vessels.
The EPA complaint – following up on an administrative order the agency issued in December – alleges that the company violated emissions standards for its fiberglass open-molding operation, carpet adhesives and wood-finishing wash coats; work-practice standards for inspections, and for control-equipment monitoring; and reporting requirements, by failing to submit compliance notifications in a timely manner.
Pearson has reported that all these violations were corrected by mid-February, the EPA said.
“EPA’s enforcement actions ensure that any violations are corrected swiftly,” said Robert W. Varney, the agency’s regional administrator. “Protecting our air and water is everyone’s responsibility.”
Additional information about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 1 office, in Boston, and clean-air standards in New England is available at epa.gov/region1/enforcement/air; information on environmental regulation of marinas can be found at epa.gov/region1/marinas.
