EPA reaches agreement with Flavorchem on clean-air violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Flavorchem Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the company’s food flavoring, extracting and fragrance manufacturing plant at 1525 Brook Drive, Downers Grove, Ill.

The agreement, which includes a $75,025 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Flavorchem violated the Clean Air Act and state regulations by failing to get state construction and operating permits. Emission tests done in 2005 showed that the company is a source of volatile organic compounds.

Volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog is formed when a mixture of air pollutants is baked in the hot summer sun. Smog can cause a variety of 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 on EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.