LENEXA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced Vita Craft Corporation, as part of a settlement, has agreed to install equipment designed to fully eliminate emissions of the hazardous air pollutant perchloroethylene (PCE). Vita Craft’s decision to implement this equipment goes beyond what the company is required to do by law.
The EPA had inspected the facility in September 2015 and found its PCE emissions were allegedly higher than allowed by regulations. Vita Craft responded by coming up with a proposal to address the findings.
“This is a unique settlement where the company proposed to go beyond what is required by law to improve air quality in the local community,” said EPA Region 7 Air and Waste Management Division director Rebecca Weber. “The result of [this] settlement is a great example of how government and business can come together to protect human health and the environment.”
PCE is a solvent used in metal manufacturing as a de-greasing agent. Under the Clean Air Act, it is named a hazardous air pollutant. The substance can cause dizziness or drowsiness when breathed in and, in cases of prolonged exposure, can cause changes in mood, memory and reaction time.