SPOKANE-- A Spokane concrete and asphalt manufacturer failed to report toxic chemical use and will pay over $25,000 in fines.
CPM Development Corporation failed to report toxic chemical use at its Spokane, Washington facility under federal community right-to-know laws, according to a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company has submitted the missing reports outlining chemical use and disposal at its facility, and will pay a fine.
EPA found that the company failed to report on time for its processing of lead compounds and nitrate compounds in 2010. During that year, the company processed more than 100 pounds of lead compounds and more than 25,000 pounds of nitrate compounds, the threshold amounts that trigger reporting requirements under the federal Toxics Release Inventory program.
According to a release from the EPA Lead is a persistent, toxic chemical that can accumulate in our bodies and is especially harmful to young children. Nitrates can cause dangerous blood conditions, low blood pressure and are particularly harmful to pregnant women and children.
Under the federal Toxics Release Inventory Program, companies that use certain toxic chemicals are required to report annually about releases, transfers and waste management of those chemicals at their facilities. The TRI program is under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, which aims to inform communities and citizens of chemical hazards in their neighborhoods.
The company has agreed to pay a $25,400 penalty.
