EPA says Illinois sand company violated clean air law

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it’s reached a settlement with a northern Illinois sand manufacturer over alleged air pollution violations.

The agency said Tuesday that HA International will install equipment to reduce hazardous chemicals and sand emitted at its Oregon facility in Ogle County. Oregon is about 100 miles west of Chicago.

The company also will pay a $100,000 civil penalty and pay to improve the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at Oregon High School and the Creston School. The EPA says those upgrades will reduce asthma triggers and increase energy efficiency.

HA International produces resin-coated sand for the foundry and hydraulic fracturing industries.

Complaints from residents about odors prompted the EPA to inspect the facility. Tests showed formaldehyde at levels the EPA deemed a health risk.