FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2007
Back to News

Senator Rafferty, Representative Vereb, Pa DEP Continue TCE Reduction Efforts

(Collegeville) – Senator Rafferty's (R-Montgomery/Chester) questions regarding the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) efforts to work with Collegeville area companies to reduce Trichloroethylene (TCE) have been answered by Kathy McGinty, Secretary of the DEP.

It was brought to the public's attention in early February 2007 that the levels of airborne TCE in the Collegeville area were at higher than expected levels. The facilities in the area that use TCE were all in compliance with current regulatory requirements, however, their combined emissions – specifically from Superior Tube and Accellent – created a situation that required further restrictions on the emission of the chemical substance.

Currently Accellent is proposing to install carbon absorbers which will reduce overall emissions by 30 to 90 percent. Superior Tube is committed to a 30 percent reduction within the next year and a 60 percent reduction within the next few years.

Senator Rafferty was quoted as saying "I am encouraged by the DEP's increase in their oversight. The DEP is still striving to secure commitments in writing to substantially lower the TCE emission levels." Senator Rafferty continued "We also need the Federal Government and the EPA to lower acceptable emission levels for the health of those exposed to this chemical."

In a letter, dated April 12, Secretary McGinty has assured Senator Rafferty that while the agreement to reduce emissions is voluntary, the controls placed on the various TCE sources will have DEP enforceable permit conditions.

"The most important thing is to ensure that the residents affected by the TCE levels are safe and healthy," said Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery).  "Our goal is for all the agencies to work together to fix this situation.  I'm glad to see that the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection has become directly involved and hope that this helps to expedite the process."

CONTACT:

Alex Charlton
(610) 831-8830

Chuck Mandracchia
(610) 831-8830