Prospect foam manufacturer Polar Industries will pay $102,000 and limit air pollution emissions to settle claims that it violated federal Clean Air laws.
In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice, the company agreed to install a new air pollution control system at its Prospect facility. The new system will be fully operational by March 31.
At the facility, Polar uses polystryrene beads that emit volatile organic compounds in order to manufacturer black foam products. According to EPA and DOJ, the company under reported its volatile organic compound emissions, and installed new equipment without getting proper permits.
Connecticut does not meet EPA’s national ozone standards, and Polar’s volatile organic compound emissions contributed to the state’s failure, according to EPA. The emissions can aggravate asthma, damage lung cells and cause permanent lung damage.
