Mercury Marine penalized for clean-air violations

CHICAGO – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with the Mercury Marine Division of Brunswick Corp. on alleged clean-air violations at the company’s secondary aluminum production plant that makes boat motors at W6250 Pioneer Rd., Fond du Lac, Wis., the EPA reported in a statement today.

The agreement, which includes a $25,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Mercury Marine violated a May 2005 consent order requiring it to operate its equipment in compliance with EPA regulations. EPA said the company had disclosed in a letter sent last July that it had used non-clean charge in its furnaces.

Secondary aluminum facilities can emit excessive amounts of hydrocarbons, particulates, dioxins and furans when they use non-clean charge in their furnaces, according to the agency, all of which can pose health risks.

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