UPDATE: Sauder to appeal proposed EPA fine

Agency alleges Clean Air Act violations

Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, July 8, 2009

CHICAGO — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed an administrative complaint against a Sauder Woodworking plant for alleged Clean Air Act violations, but the company said it will appeal.

The EPA said the ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturer violated boiler monitoring requirements at its Sauder Woodworking Cogeneration Facility in Archbold, Ohio.

The EPA said Sauder also violated federal and state regulations by emitting excessive amounts of particulates, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds from its wood-fired boilers.

The agency proposed a $328,334 penalty for the Archbold-based company, a press release said.

Sauder plans to vigorously appeal the proposed fine, company President Kevin Sauder said in a statement. The company argues that its total deviation from emissions limits was well below what is allowed, and that its total performance was at or below permitted levels.

"We take our commitment to the environment seriously, and we will continue to work with the U.S. EPA to resolve this situation favorably," the statement said.

The EPA said it learned of the alleged violations after receiving excess emission reports the company submitted to the state. It notified Sauder of alleged violations in April 2008 and again in February 2009 and met with the company each time to discuss and resolve its findings.