WEST SPRINGFIELD – New England Industrial Uniform Rental Service Inc. will take steps to significantly reduce air pollution from its operations under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
It will no longer launder print towels, the source of much of the contamination, according to the news release.
The company located at 355 Union St., West Springfield, will also pay a penalty of $51,700 for its alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, according to an EPA news release.
EPA says it alleged that NE Uniform Service’s operations resulted in emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which impair air quality.
The company had not applied for an air permit from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection prior to the EPA's enforcement.
Further, NE Uniform Service had not implemented “reasonably available control technology” at the facility as required by the MassDEP, which would reduce emissions of VOCs.
The company launders business uniforms and industrial shop towels, the EPA said. Until recently, the company also laundered print towels which caused most of the facility’s air emissions because these towels are often contaminated with solvents that contain VOCs.
Under the settlement, NE Uniform Service has been prohibited from laundering print towels after June 30 and will implement best management practices for the laundering of shop towels that contain oils and grease.
Emissions of VOC will also be limited by its new air permit.
The EPA said the Union Street facility is in an urban neighborhood where people live including a high percentage of minority and low-income population.
“This settlement will result in improved air quality for people living in an urban residential neighborhood of West Springfield that has experienced environmental justice concerns,” said EPA Regional Administrator Dennis Deziel, according to the release. “Reducing VOC emissions from this industrial laundry will help local residents who live near the facility to enjoy healthier air quality.”
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