The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Borealis Compounds, Inc., addressing violations of chemical safety requirements at the company's Port Murray, New Jersey facility. The global manufacturer will pay a $450,000 civil penalty as part of the agreement and has pledged to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations in the future.
EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia stated, "This settlement underscores EPA’s commitment to holding companies accountable for safeguarding public health and meeting federal chemical safety standards." She highlighted that Borealis failed to properly document chemicals as required by law.
The settlement follows an inspection conducted in February 2022 and a subsequent review by the EPA. It was determined that Borealis Compounds, LLC did not adhere to TSCA's reporting, recordkeeping, and notification requirements for specific chemical substances used at its facility. The company also did not provide necessary protective equipment for workers handling polyethylene during compounding processes and missed reporting obligations for this substance. Additionally, mandatory chemical data reporting was neglected for twelve other substances imported in quantities exceeding 25,000 pounds.
The Port Murray facility employs around 140 people and produces plastic compounds utilized in wire and cable products. Borealis has since addressed these violations and collaborated with the EPA to resolve the issue. Under the terms of the agreement, Borealis is committed to ensuring full compliance with TSCA and related regulations going forward.
For further information on EPA's enforcement actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act or about EPA Region 2 activities, visit their website.
