ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced May 4 that Momentive Performance Materials Silicones LLC (MPM) will pay $1.25 million to resolve allegations of violating state and federal environmental laws.
“Violations of New York state’s environmental laws and regulations are serious offenses with serious consequences,” said New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “This fine is the result of the collaborative efforts of state and federal partners working together to protect our communities. New York state has zero tolerance for anyone who rigs the system to break environmental laws that protect public health and the environment.
According to the Scheiderman’s office, MPM purchased a manufacturing facility in Waterford, New York, in 2006. While disposing of hazardous waste over the years, the company allegedly manually overrode its incinerators’ automatic waste feed cut-off system. These systems were in place to ensure compliance with environmental laws. By circumventing the controls, MPM could purportedly burn excessive amounts of hazardous waste in the incinerator in violation of its permits.
“Our laws provide essential protections to New Yorkers' health, safety, and environment,” Schneiderman said. “MPM flouted clean air and hazardous waste laws at its Waterford facility and, as a result, released harmful, toxic chemical into the surrounding community thousands of times. We won't hesitate to act to protect New Yorkers and bring to justice anyone who violates the law."