Connecticut chemical company fined for violating environmental right-to-know requirements

April 1, 2013

5N Plus Inc. allegedly violated the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by failing to report hazardous chemical inventories to emergency responders.

A Fairfield, Conn. company that develops and produces specialty metal and chemical products will pay a $13,250 penalty and purchase at least $47,900 worth of equipment for the Fairfield fire department to settle claims that it violated environmental right-to-know requirements.

According to a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 5N Plus Inc. allegedly violated the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) by failing to report hazardous chemical inventories to the local fire department and to other emergency responders. The company also failed to report the use and potential release of the toxic chemicals, lead and selenium, under the Toxic Release Inventory, a national database of toxic chemical use available to the public.



"The company’s failure to report and file appropriate forms deprives the community of its right to know about chemicals present in the neighborhood," EPA said in a statement. "This failure also prevents emergency responders from being aware of hazardous chemicals at the facility in the case of an emergency."

RELATED: NOAA partners with Dow to update chemical safety software tool

As part of the settlement, the company will purchase emergency response equipment for use by the Fairfield Fire Department and the Fairfield County Hazardous Incident emergency response teams. This equipment includes a multifunction utility vehicle, a skid unit, a trailer for the utility vehicle, hazardous material detection devices and calibration aids.

The utility vehicle will be used to help emergency responders address large impacted areas and will also help in distribution of emergency response equipment and protective clothing. The vehicle will also help emergency responders get to areas not accessible by standard vehicles. Also as part of the agreement, 5N Plus certified that it is in compliance with the federal law.

Sponsored Recommendations

2024 Manufacturing Trends — Unpacking AI, Workforce, and Cybersecurity

The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...

The Journey to Operational Excellence: Quality-Driven Compliance

Learn firsthand from top industry analysts how to navigate regulatory compliance (i.e. FSMA) & food safety audits in manufacturing.

Cold Chain Tracking with FactoryTalk PharmaSuite

Manage thermo-sensitive materials, optimize production & reduce waste

State of Smart Manufacturing Report Series

The world of manufacturing is changing, and Generative AI is one of the many change agents. The 2024 State of Smart Manufacturing Report takes a deep dive into how Generative ...