CONTACT: Theresa.Barao
(508) 946-2724

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

LAKEVILLE, MA – DECEMBER 30, 2002
C.P. Bourg, Inc. of New Bedford will pay a $5,000 civil administrative penalty for violating state air quality and Toxic Use Reduction Act environmental regulations. The penalty is part of a negotiated settlement with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The company will also pay $15,500 in past due toxic user and late payment fees.

C. P. Bourg, Inc. manufactures printed-paper collating products.

A DEP inspection of the facility on 50 Samuel Barnet Blvd. indicated that the company had not properly delineated and posted a waste oil accumulation area as required by state hazardous waste regulations. Upon further inspection, it was noted that the company had installed and operated a vapor degreaser without obtaining a permit, as required by state law. A review of company records also indicated that the company failed to report to DEP that it exceeded the threshold use of methylene chloride in 1999 and 2000.

As part of the settlement, C.P. Bourg, Inc. has agreed to eliminate the use of the methylene chloride as a metal degreaser, which will prevent the release of volatile organic compound emissions from the plant.

?Routine inspections are one of the best tools that we have to ensure environmental compliance,? said Paul Taurasi, director of DEP?s Southeast Regional Office. ?Often, these inspections can prevent an environmental problem from occurring.?

The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.