Grimmel Industries, Inc. has reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve allegations that the company violated the Clean Air Act and the Maine State Implementation Plan. According to the EPA, the company’s scrap metal shredding facility in Topsham, Maine, failed to have the correct air emissions license for its shredder, which limits the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be released into the air. Additionally, Grimmel failed to get a Clean Air Act Title V operating permit and failed to meet technology requirements. To resolve these issues, Grimmel has agreed to pay a penalty of $42,613. The company has also submitted a permit application to the State of Maine for its shredding activities that will improve the facility's compliance with federal and state laws.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash said, "Having permits that restrict emissions are incredibly important to keeping communities in-the-know and protecting the environment around us. Facilities like Grimmel Industries' that emit air pollution must follow the law to ensure that local neighborhoods don't face unnecessary air quality burdens. Clean Air Act settlements, like this one, reiterate EPA's commitment to protecting public health and the environment, and make sure that companies are being held accountable for their actions."

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Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act

Metal shredding facility ordered to address Clean Air Act violations
"This action demonstrates that EPA will hold facilities accountable when they fail to take the actions necessary to meet health-based air quality standards.”

3 Louisiana facilities pay nearly $1.5M in penalties for Clean Air Act violations
“Many communities in Southern Louisiana live with a daily burden of pollution that would be unimaginable in other areas."

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