HBD/Thermoid Incorporated Agrees to $371,075 Settlement for Alleged Violations of Clean Air Act at Chanute, Kan., Facility

(Lenexa, Kan., October 28, 2013) - HBD/Thermoid Incorporated has agreed to pay a $130,000 civil penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at its facility in Chanute, Kan. As part of its settlement arrangement with E.P.A. Region 7, the company will spend an additional $241,075 to complete 2 supplemental environmental projects.

The settlement stems in part from air sampling conducted in Chanute that showed increased levels of toluene. An EPA/KDHE investigation into area sources for toluene showed that HBD/Thermoid Incorporated has the highest levels of toluene emissions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) had previously responded with a similar enforcement action against HBD for toluene emissions violations, however due to continuing and on-going violations by HBD, KDHE referred the additional violations to the E.P.A. in 2011.

The company violated federal CAA regulations by not complying with 12-month rolling averages for Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) emission limits between January 2011 and March 2012. The company is a major source of HAPs, with the potential to emit in excess of ten tons per year of toluene.

"Improving air quality is one of Administrator McCarthy's biggest priorities," E.P.A. Region seven Administrator Karl Brooks said. "Working with KDHE, E.P.A. Region seven was able to bring a repeat violator into compliance and facilitate its supplemental environmental projects, which will result in cleaner air for people living and working in the Chanute area."

HBD/Thermoid Incorporated will complete 2 supplemental environmental plans valued at $241,075 as a part of the settlement. The company will purchase and install an emission capture and control system to reduce certain HAP emissions by approximately 97 percent. The 2nd supplemental environmental plan will substitute non-HAP or low-HAP containing solvents for toluene and other HAP-containing solvents in its manufacturing areas and solvent shed, resulting in an approximate 93 percent yearly emissions reduction.

Toluene is an organic liquid with a sweet, benzene-like odor. HBD primarily uses toluene as a solvent in its fabric coating operation as part of its hose and duct manufacturing process. Other industry uses include the use of toluene in the production of benzene and urethane. Long-term exposure to toluene may result in damage to the nervous system, kidneys, or liver.

By agreeing to the settlement, HBD/Thermoid Incorporated has certified that it is in compliance with the CAA and all of its requirements.

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