EPA Offers Baking Companies Compliance Incentive

Compiled ByTraci Purdum The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering baking companies a compliance incentive aimed at reducing ozone depleting substances (ODS) caused by certain bakery appliances. The substances include chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in amounts greater than allowed by the Clean Air Act. Under the voluntary compliance incentive program, bakeries will audit suspect appliances and phase out some industrial process refrigeration appliances in exchange for reduced penalties. Bakeries eligible to participate are those not already the subject of a national enforcement investigation or action which have industrial process refrigeration appliances containing 50 pounds or more of ODS refrigerants. Qualifying companies have until April 26, 2002, to notify the EPA of their intent to participate. The companies, which must agree to phase out use of the more hazardous ozone-depleting substances by July 15, 2003, can avoid all penalties if they install non-ODS systems before April 26, 2002. For more information: EPA Environmental Documents.