Ron Masucci, Air Violation, FL 2001

Jacksonville, FL – Ron Masucci, owner and operator of PanCoatings of Florida, Inc., was sentenced to 18 months probation and a $40,000 federal fine after pleading guilty to violations of the Clean Air Act in October 2000. The case, stemming from ongoing issues at the Jacksonville facility, highlights a pattern of non-compliance following a devastating fire and subsequent rebuild of the baking pan coating plant.

According to court documents, PanCoatings specializes in cleaning and applying silicone coatings to baking pans to prevent food from sticking. Following a factory fire in April 1994, Masucci applied for a permit to rebuild. Crucially, this application included an agreement to install a thermal oxidizer – a device designed to significantly reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions – and to adhere to strict reporting requirements. These requirements included obtaining an operating permit upon completion of construction and submitting annual emissions reports to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

However, investigators found Masucci failed to uphold his end of the agreement. The plant resumed operations without the promised thermal oxidizer being installed. Furthermore, no annual emissions reports were ever filed with the FDEP. The initial construction permit stipulated a maximum allowable emission rate of 8.65 tons per year. An investigation revealed PanCoatings was actually releasing approximately 35 tons of VOCs annually – a staggering 405% over the permitted limit.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the criminal investigation, ultimately charging Masucci with two counts of knowingly violating the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)) on April 18, 2000. The charges specifically targeted his failure to install the required pollution control equipment and his deliberate withholding of critical emissions data from regulators. The prolonged period of non-compliance raised concerns about potential health impacts on nearby residents and the surrounding environment.

While Masucci’s legal troubles are now behind him, the case serves as a stark reminder of the EPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding individuals accountable for prioritizing profit over public health and environmental safety. The substantial fine and probationary period are intended to deter future violations and ensure that industrial facilities operate within legal limits. GrimyTimes will continue to monitor environmental enforcement cases in Florida and beyond.

Key Facts

Defendant: Ron Masucci, Owner/Operator of PanCoatings of Florida, Inc.
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Crime: Violations of the Clean Air Act
Statutes Violated: 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2) – Knowingly violates CAA provisions
Emission Limit: 8.65 tons per year (permit)
Actual Emissions: Approximately 35 tons per year
Penalty: 18 months probation and $40,000 federal fine
Timeline: Fire in 1994, Charges filed 2000, Sentencing 2000

Note: 42 U.S.C. 7412 is the general section of the Clean Air Act dealing with permit requirements, while 42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2) addresses criminal penalties for knowingly violating the Act.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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