$28,919 settlement over illegal venting allegation

USA: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has agreed a $28,919 settlement with an Illinois air conditioning contractor over allegations of illegal venting of refrigerant.

The EPA’s consent agreement and final order with JTR Heating and Air Conditioning Inc of Monee, Illinois, resolves alleged violations of sections of the US Clean Air Act which prohibit anyone from knowingly venting or otherwise releasing refrigerant to the environment during work on appliances.

According to the EPA, on at least two separate occasions JTR knowingly vented R22 and R410A refrigerant during servicing of those appliances. Under the settlement, JTR will pay a $28,919 civil penalty and resolve the alleged violations.