Chemical manufacturer fined $101K for inaccurately reporting activities involving hazardous chemicals
A settlement has been reached between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and COIM USA, Inc. over allegations that the company violated the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). According to the EPA, COIM failed to accurately report the off-site transfers and disposal methods of 1,4-Dioxane, in their Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reports. The purpose of the TRI program is to require facilities that manufacture or use certain toxic chemicals to report on their releases and other waste management activities. This occurred from 2018 to 2021. As part of the settlement, COIM will have to pay $101,400 in penalties and undertake a supplemental environmental project (SEP). The SEP, which will cost about $25,000, will fund emergency planning and preparedness equipment for the West Deptford Fire Department and allow the department to better respond to emergencies involving hazardous chemicals.
In a recent quote, Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said, "COIM failed to meet their obligation to public safety by inaccurately reporting their activities involving 1,4-Dioxane, a hazardous chemical. This settlement not only holds the company accountable for their violations, but also supports the local fire department in enhancing their emergency preparedness and response capabilities.”
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
