DEEPWATER, N.J. (1/12/2015) The DuPont Co. has been fined $531,000 by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for air pollution at its Chambers Works manufacturing plant in Deepwater, the government announced.
The EPA said the fine is for improper maintenance and repair of two large refrigeration units and for failing to submit required reports.
“When properly maintained, the systems are designed to minimize chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from leaking into the environment. CFCs damage the ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful radiation that contributes to increased skin cancer,” the EPA said in a news release dated Jan. 8.
The 1,455-acre complex along the Delaware River began industrial activities in 1892, the EPA said, and since then, has manufactured dyes, freon, tetraethyl lead and chemicals. The refrigeration units have a capacity of 3,000 pounds of CFCs and are used in the company’s chemical manufacturing process, the EPA said.
“In addition to paying $531,000, DuPont corrected the problems in its leak detection program and will comply with reporting requirements,” the EPA said.
A proposed settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court for New Jersey and is subject to a 30-day public comment period.
Comments may be submitted either by e-mail to pubcomment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov or mail to:
Assistant Attorney General
U.S. DOJ – ENRD
P.O. Box 7611
Washington, D.C. 20044-7611