West Virginia Company Settles

PHILADELPHIA (November 13, 2008) -- The E.P.A. today announced that Kidde-Fenwal, Incorporated has settled alleged violations of federal toxic chemical reporting at 2 plants located in Ranson, W.Va.

E.P.A. cited the company for violating the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which requires companies that manufacture, use or process in excess of a threshold amount of listed toxic chemicals to file an yearly "toxic chemical release form" with E.P.A. and the state. Companies must also report both routine and accidental delivers of toxic chemicals, as well as the maximum amount of any listed chemicals at the facility and the amount contained in wastes transferred off-site. These reports are used to compile the Toxic Release Inventory, a publicly accessible E.P.A. database that contains information on toxic chemical delivers and waste management activities by certain industries as well as federal facilities. For more information, see http://www.epa.gov/tri/

In a consent arrangement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $24,923 civil penalty for failing to file required yearly reports for lead and copper for the year 2006 for its facilities located at 215 North Mildred St., and 351 West Second Ave., in Ranson, W. Va. NOTE: This case involves alleged reporting violations, and not unlawful delivers of toxic chemical.

The settlement penalty reflects the company's cooperation with EPA's investigation of these alleged violations, and its prompt compliance efforts. As part of the settlement, the company did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has certified compliance with applicable EPCRA requirements.

Kidde-Fenwal, Incorporated ceased operations at its Ranson, W.Va. facilities in 2006.

During FY2008, E.P.A. concluded enforcement actions requiring polluters to spend an estimated $11 billion on pollution controls, clean-up and environmental projects, an all time record for EPA. After these activities are completed, E.P.A. expects yearly pollution reductions of in excess of 3 billion pounds.

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