Infineum settles EPA case, will pay $950,000 penalty

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $950,000 settlement with a Linden, N.J., company for using a new chemical in its auto products before the chemical had undergone a required review. The settlement with Infineum USA L.P. involves alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which requires companies to notify EPA before they introduce new chemicals into commerce. Infineum produced and sold a new chemical in an auto product for several years without notifying EPA. When the company discovered the error, it informed the agency.

“The law is clear. Companies cannot make and sell products using a new chemical until EPA’s 90-day review has been completed,” said EPA regional administrator Alan J. Steinberg. “One of the agency’s most important mandates is to prevent the distribution and use of harmful new products that could damage people’s health and the environment.”

This agreement also settles other alleged TSCA new chemical notification and import certification violations, which Infineum disclosed to EPA. The agency issued a complaint against the company for these alleged violations last year. Infineum is a joint venture between the ExxonMobil Chemical Company (a division of ExxonMobil Corporation), the Shell Petroleum Company Limited and the Shell Oil Company.

For more information on the Toxic Substances Control Act, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/tsca.htm