FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2007
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Senator Rafferty; Representative Vereb Dismayed Over TCE Spill

COLLEGEVILLE - Senator Rafferty (Montgomery) and Representative Vereb (Montgomery) are outraged and distressed over DEP's most recent news that a malfunctioning vapor degreaser at the Superior Tube Company in Collegeville has resulted in the dumping of over 2400 pounds of trichloroethylene (TCE) gas into the atmosphere, which Superior initially reported as only being over 100 pounds.

Superior Tube's irresponsible reporting is evident in the untimely and general estimation of this egregious environmental incident. 

Though Superior has pledged to operate in an environmentally sound manner, their past history with contamination along with this latest incident proves otherwise.

Representative Vereb was quoted as stating "Superior continues to threaten the health of our residents. There is no evidence of Superior cooperating with their neighbors."

Senator Rafferty and Representative Vereb are committed to seeing that Superior is held accountable for their actions and all measures are taken to ensure they are punished to the fullest extent possible.

Senator Rafferty has recently issued a letter to Governor Rendell and DEP Secretary McGinty, pleading them to hold Superior accountable for their most recent indiscretions against the environment and surrounding residents. 

"The Governor has the authority to direct DEP to issue an order for enforceable emissions regulations on a rapid timeline. I urge him to act on this matter." Rafferty continued with "In the meantime we will continue to work with our federal legislators to insist EPA reconsider their decision on the narrow tube industry."

Superior Tube has reported that odors were detected inside the plant; however no odors were detected in the surrounding communities. DEP will be using data taken from the near by air monitoring system that currently reads the amount of TCE in the atmosphere; they will be continuing their investigation of this matter. 

CONTACT:

Alex Charlton
(610) 831-8830

Chuck Mandracchia
(610) 831-8830