SEATTLE (June 6, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that East Side Plating, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, will pay $139,505 for violations of the Clean Air Act.
During inspections conducted in 2022, the EPA identified multiple instances where East Side Plating failed to adhere to Clean Air Act requirements applicable to electroplating operations at its facility.
Specifically, the violations included:
- Failing to install covers on nickel-plating tanks
- Not implementing good housekeeping practices that reduce emissions
- Neglecting to keep records of fume suppressant chemical additions to electroplating tanks
- Failing to measure the amount of electricity used by individual electroplating tanks
Electroplating is a metal finishing operation designed to enhance the surface properties of metal parts, making them stronger, shinier, and corrosion-resistant. These operations can emit hazardous air pollutants such as cadmium, lead, manganese, and nickel. Although federal, state, and local regulations limit emissions from electroplating facilities, non-compliance can result in dangerous releases of toxic air pollutants.
East Side Plating has since corrected all issues identified by the EPA.
“Businesses need to comply with the law,” said Ed Kowalski, Director of the EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “By evaluating and improving work practices, shops can decrease emissions, reduce production costs, and protect employee and public health.”
This enforcement action is part of a national initiative aimed at reducing air toxics.
Further details are available in the Consent Agreement and Final Order.
