Sherwin-Williams to Pay Penalty for Air Pollution Violations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reached a consent order with Sherwin-Williams Manufacturing Company, requiring them to pay a $124,700 penalty for violating air pollution regulations at their plant in Rochester, Beaver County.

In March, residents near the plant reported smelling overpowering fumes of 'pure chemicals' like nail polish remover inside their homes. An investigation by KDKA-TV News found that the DEP had issued a violation to the plant in January for failing to install a thermal oxidizer, an air pollution control device designed to destroy VOCs.

The consent order requires Sherwin-Williams to resolve violations related to the missing thermal oxidizer and other issues, including failure to install and operate air cleaning devices on time, and missed startup notifications. The company has 30 days to pay the penalty and must complete critical control upgrades and performance testing by a set deadline.

Sherwin-Williams spokesperson said that the plant's original thermal oxidizer had been damaged during shipment, causing delays in bringing it online. They expect the new thermal oxidizer to be installed by the end of October.