Being ‘green’ won’t shield you from EPA penalties
September 15, 2009 by Tom GuayPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, News
Just because a company claims to be green and produces green products, doesn’t mean that it’ll get a pass from EPA cops.
Just ask California’s Performance Coatings, Inc.
The company makes wood coatings and wood-penetrating oils, including a green version of the coating, dubbed ProfenVerde (verde being Italian for green). And, the company says it’s constantly improving its products with a keen awareness of trying to be environmentally friendly. It’s also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.
However, Performance Coating just had to pay a $48,600 fine to EPA because it failed to file required Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports on two industrial solvents used to make its various wood coatings.
The solvents, xylene and ethylbenzene, are two of over 600 toxic materials covered by EPA’s TRI reporting requirements. Filing of annual TRI reports is required under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act. The company failed to file reports on each solvent for 2004, 2005 and 2006.
These chemicals are considered toxic because they can harm the nervous system, cause fatigue and general weakness, lead to memory loss and trigger visual problems.
Note: The fine was for failing to file a report. There was no allegation that the chemical releases caused human health or environmental damages.
EPA’s announcement of the penalty action is here.
Tags: green building, green company, Performance Coatings, Profen Verde, solvents, TRI
GreenandMore.com
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