Illinois. plant pays $1 million penalty in EPA pact

A fiberglass manufacturing plant in northern Illinois will pay a $1 million penalty to settle alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

The agreement between fiberglass panel maker Crane Composites with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Justice and the state of Illinois was announced Friday.

The EPA says the plant in Channahon, allegedly emitted hazardous volatile organic compounds at a rate that violated federal and state regulations. The allegations stem from an October 2003 complaint.

Under the agreement, Crane will pay a $1 million civil penalty, part of which will go to the state of Illinois.

A message left for the plant after business hours Friday was not immediately returned.

Crane Composites is a subsidiary of Crane Co., based in Stamford, Conn.