New Hartford, CT – SCP Management, LLC, the successor to Syntac Coated Products, LLC (“Old Syntac”), has been penalized for a years-long scheme to evade environmental regulations, according to court documents unsealed this week. The company pleaded guilty in January 2017 to one count of failing to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of critical issues with its air pollution control equipment.
From 2008 to 2013, Old Syntac manufactured specialty adhesive films at its New Hartford facility, a process that released volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hazardous air pollutants. The company utilized catalytic oxidizers – and later a regenerative thermal oxidizer – to mitigate these emissions. However, internal records revealed consistent failures in the oxidizers’ ability to properly function, indicated by temperature readings significantly below required levels and catalyst block tests suggesting inadequate VOC destruction.
The Clean Air Act mandates that companies performing initial tests on emission control devices continuously monitor performance and report any deviations to the EPA. Old Syntac diligently recorded the problematic temperature readings on daily charts, but deliberately withheld this information from regulators. Had the company reported these failures, the EPA could have initiated further investigation and required additional performance testing. Instead, the lack of reporting allowed the company to avoid regulatory oversight and potentially gain an unfair economic advantage over competitors adhering to environmental standards.
Regulatory Fallout & Penalties
The EPA’s “Once In, Always In” policy means that because Old Syntac was deemed a major source of air pollutants, its successor, New Syntac Coated Products, LLC, will be required to apply for a Title V permit under the Clean Air Act. This will subject the company to more stringent regulatory and reporting requirements going forward. U.S. Attorney Daly emphasized the severity of the offense, stating the prosecution should “serve as a warning to corporations that if they ignore signs they are polluting the air we breathe, they risk federal prosecution.”
The consequences for SCP Management’s deliberate non-compliance were substantial. The company was ordered to pay a $200,000 criminal fine. In addition to the fine, SCP Management agreed to a $200,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, earmarked for projects aimed at improving air quality in Connecticut. EPA Special Agent in Charge Amon highlighted that the company’s actions were a calculated attempt to skirt environmental responsibility and reap financial benefits.
Key Facts
- Defendant: SCP Management, LLC (successor to Syntac Coated Products, LLC)
- Crime: Violation of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7413(c)(2)(b) – failure to report required information to the EPA
- Location: New Hartford, Connecticut
- Timeline: Violations occurred between 2008 and April 2013; guilty plea entered January 19, 2017
- Penalties: $200,000 criminal fine and $200,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
- Emission Source: Specialty adhesive film manufacturing, releasing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarala V. Nagala and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Kenyon prosecuted the case.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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