EPA reaches agreement with BASF Construction Chemicals on clean-air violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with BASF Construction Chemicals LLC, 23700 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio, on alleged clean-air violations. The company was formerly known as BASF Admixtures Inc. and Degussa Admixtures Inc.

The agreement, which includes a $43,591 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that BASF exceeded the volatile organic compound content limit for architectural coatings without reporting and paying required fees and without submitting required reports from 1999 through 2004.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of pollutants react on warm, sunny days. Smog can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. People with asthma, children and the elderly are especially at risk, but these health concerns are important to everyone.

Information about EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.