EPA Flags Caraustar for Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Caraustar Industries Inc. for alleged hazardous chemical reporting violations at its Cincinnati paper processing plant. EPA proposed a $73,689 penalty.

The EPA complaint falls under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, which requires companies handling hazardous chemicals to keep detailed records and share them with state and local emergency responders.

The EPA complaint alleges Caraustar failed to submit the inventory form to the Ohio Emergency Response Commission, the Hamilton County Emergency Planning Committee and the Cincinnati Fire Department even though 40,000 gallons of #6 fuel oil was stored on company property.

Caraustar Industries has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing.  The company may also ask EPA for an informal conference to discuss resolving the allegations.