FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2007
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Senators Rafferty Dinniman, Representative Vereb Dismayed by EPA, Congress

COLLEGEVILLE – Senators John Rafferty (R-Montgomery, Chester, Berks) and Andy Dinniman (D-Chester, Montgomery) along with Representative Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) are dismayed to learn that new regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding air-borne toxins specifically exclude small-tube manufacturers such as Superior Tube and Accellent from any requirement to reduce the amount of Trichloroethylene (TCE) emitted into the air.

TCE, a chemical used in the degreasing process of metal products ranging from hypodermic needles to aerospace machinery, has been linked to several forms of cancer including liver, ovarian, prostate, and kidney among other internal organs.

Two manufacturers, Accellent and Superior Tube, based in the Greater Collegeville area have been discovered to be emitting TCE at levels that comply with current permitted levels but yet are considered dangerous to humans and wildlife.

The EPA released, on Tuesday April 17, new standards for hazardous air pollutants. Despite urging by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the EPA's report specifically states that narrow tube manufacturers will not be required to follow these new, more stringent regulations (Section III A 3). It is unclear as to why these manufacturers are exempted from the regulations.

"I am disappointed and disgruntled by the lack of concern for a healthy living environment. I know the DEP did weigh in to get the EPA to increase their standards on TCE emissions and I appreciate their efforts.' Senator Rafferty continued with "We will work with our Federal legislators to have the EPA revisit their standards to strengthen regulations in the affected area."

"My colleagues and I are shocked and angered that the EPA would fail our residents at the very time our residents most need the EPA's help," Dinniman added. "This is not the end of it. We will support the DEP's current efforts to have these companies voluntarily decrease their TCE emissions, and simultaneously work to see that the federal government raises the bar on these companies."

The three elected officials have been working in concert with the DEP to require that both Superior and Accellent reduce their TCE emissions. Both companies have voluntarily agreed to install controls that will reduce their TCE emissions, these improvements will fall under DEP enforceable permit improvements to allow for a system of accountability.

"I am very upset at the federal government's lack of response on the TCE issue," said Vereb.  "The main issue is the safety and health of our constituents.  It's disheartening that the federal government would turn its back on its citizens at this critical time.  The new regulations are unacceptable and we will make sure Washington knows it."

Senators Rafferty and Dinniman with Representative Vereb have sent a joint letter to Senators Casey and Specter and Congressmen Dent, Gerlach, and Sestak requesting that they take a stronger stance on this issue and demand the EPA include small tube manufacturers in their new regulations. 

CONTACT:

Alex Charlton
(610) 831-8830