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Friday, March 29, 2024

Cordray settles with chemical manufacturer

Richard Cordray (D)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and an Addyston-based plastic resin manufacturer reached a settlement Monday over allegations the company violated state regulations.

Under the agreement, officials with Addyston must upgrade environmental controls and make multiple modifications of its operating procedures, as well as pay $3.1 million in penalties which will be divided up between state-level clean air programs and the state Environmental Protection Agency.

An Ohio EPA investigation revealed that from 2004 through 2005 toxic air emissions from the plant violated the state's EPA levels, according to Cordray.

Both agencies concluded that levels of two chemicals known as acrylonitrile and butadiene were high enough to cause cancer in areas where the substances had been released.

According to Cordray's office, the company also violated a requirement mandating company operators have a 99 percent control efficiency for its pollution control flare.

The manufacturer also failed to conduct proper leak detection and repair programs.

"The people of Addyston have watched and listened for years, as concerns were raised about toxins from this plant polluting the air they breathe," Cordray said.

"The financial penalty helps us to enforce state and federal laws, but the pollution control and monitoring called for in the settlement are more important because they will protect against further harm to the community."

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