EPA Cites Wood Treatment Firm for VOC Reporting Delays
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EPA Cites Wood Treatment Firm for VOC Reporting DelaysSEATTLE -- Chemco, a company that manufactures wood treatment chemicals, has been fined $25,400 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for improper and late reporting on the use of formaldehyde and methanol, both classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

EPA said the Ferndale, WA, company failed to properly report its use and release of the two chemical between 2005 and 2008.

“Companies that deal with toxic chemicals have an obligation to report accurately and on time each year about releases of chemicals,” said Kelly Huynh, manager of the Inspection and Enforcement Management Unit at EPA. “The information keeps the public in the know about what’s in their communities.”

Chemco uses formaldehyde and methanol in its wood treatment chemical manufacturing, including fire retardant wood. The company used more than 25,000 pounds of formaldehyde and 10,000 pounds of methanol in 2005, 2007 and 2008. The company reported its use and releases of formaldehyde and methanol in those years late or inaccurately, EPA said.

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