EPA Reaches Agreement with Electrolizing Corp.

Includes $11,000 Fine & $138,000 Project

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 has recently reached agreement with Electrolizing Corp. of Ohio on alleged violations of Federal regulations on chromium -- a hazardous air pollutant -- at the company's electroplating plant in Cleveland, OH.

The company has agreed to pay an $11,000 penalty and to complete an environmental project costing at least $138,000.

The agreement resolves an EPA administrative complaint filed last May alleging that: Electrolizing did not properly operate its continuous monitoring equipment and do timely performance testing on its hard chrome plating tanks.

As its environmental project, the company has agreed to upgrade its electroless nickel plating lines and to purchase chemicals needed for the equipment. It will operate the new system for at least three years after installation.

"Hazardous air pollutants are a serious threat to public health and the environment," said Margaret Guerriero, acting director of the regional Air and Radiation Division. "We will take all necessary steps to ensure that companies comply with the regulations."

Hexavalent chromium, a highly hazardous, cancer-causing substance, is found in chromic acid mist released into the air as part of the electroplating process. Chromic acid is also a respiratory irritant, whose short-term effects include coughing and wheezing. Noncancerous long-term effects include bronchitis, as well as ulcerations and perforations of the nasal septum.