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EPA Cites GM for Air Pollution; Includes $75,250 Fine

7 October 1997

EPA Cites GM for Air Pollution; Includes $75,250 Fine

    CHICAGO, Oct. 7 -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Region 5 has recently filed an administrative complaint against General Motors
Corp. (GM) for alleged clean-air violations at the company's plant,
1629 North Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI.  The complaint includes a $75,250
penalty.
    At the plant, GM makes engine blocks and engine heads for automobiles
and light trucks.
    EPA notified the company in August that it had violated State limits for
visible emissions of particulates from its moldline No. 3 shakeout process.
During the process, castings are separated from their sand molds and cores by
vibrating screens that Cause the sand to crumble.
    GM's opacity (the amount of light obscured) limit is 20 percent, except
for one 6-minute period every hour, when it is allowed to go as high as, but
not to exceed, 27 percent.
    A joint inspection last June by EPA and Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality discovered the violations.  State inspection in August
and September 1996, and before and after the June joint inspection, also found
violations.
    "EPA is committed to enforcing clean-air regulations to protect public
health and the environment," said David Kee, director of the regional Air and
Radiation Division.  "We will take all necessary steps to ensure that
companies comply with the Clean Air Act."
    Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can lead to heart and lung
diseases.  Children, the elderly, and people with heart and lung diseases are
the most sensitive.

SOURCE  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency