K&K Screw Products LLC and KKSP Precision Machining LLC have been ordered to pay $80,000 in forfeitures, court costs and surcharges for violating Wisconsin’s air pollution control laws at a Pleasant Prairie facility.
Glendale Heights, Ill.-based KKSP recently acquired a screw manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie from K&K, which violated its air pollution control permit. It is considered a “major source” of pollution because it can emit more than 10 tons of hazardous air pollutant methylene chloride annually.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires that facilities which could emit elevated levels of air contaminants obtain a permit. Regulations help control pollution by requiring companies to install pollution control equipment, perform preventative maintenance and form plans for abatement of accidental releases.
Attorney General A.G. Van Hollen’s office said K&K did not obtain a construction permit before building its facility and operated without a construction or operation permit for at least 950 days. It also failed to comply with reporting requirements, violated metal solvent cleaning requirements and did not disclose its solvent usage properly.
K&K has resolved the solvent cleaning issues and permitting violations, and KKSP will be responsible for installing parts washer covers by February 1.
