Temecula Company Fined By Environmental Protection Agency

TEMECULA, CA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced settlement agreements with chemical distribution companies in Temecula and South Gate for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Under the settlements, Oreq Corp. in Temecula and Smark Company in South Gate will pay a combined total of more than $117,000 in penalties.

The violations were discovered during inspections at the two companies, the EPA said. Inspectors found that both companies failed to submit timely reports to the EPA associated with the import of five chemicals between 2012 and 2015, as required by the 2016 Chemical Data Reporting Rule, the agency said.

Smark will pay a $93,813 fine and Oreq will pay a $23,452 fine, according to the EPA.

"It is essential that chemical importers report the quantity of chemicals they are bringing into the U.S., so that EPA can evaluate the risks to communities and the environment," said Amy Miller, EPA Pacific Southwest regional director of enforcement and compliance assurance. "Companies that do not comply will face significant penalties."

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, chemical importers and manufacturers are required to submit chemical data reporting information to the EPA every four years. The agency uses this data to track the chemicals being imported into the country and to assess the potential human health and environmental effects of these chemicals.

In addition, the EPA makes the non-confidential business chemical information it receives available to the public.