E.P.A. takes violations of toxic substances laws seriously, and is committed to enforcing those laws. This settlement sends a strong message that companies are responsible for promptly informing E.P.A. about risk information associated with their chemicals.

This is the largest civil administrative penalty EPA has ever obtained under any environmental statue. Not by a little, by a lot. EPA takes violations of toxic substances laws seriously and is committed to enforcing those laws. This settlement sends a strong message that companies are responsible for promptly informing EPA about risk information associated with their chemicals.

Today's settlement again demonstrates this administration's commitment to secure major pollution reductions and to achieve the benefits envisioned by the Clean Air Act.

Storm water requirements have been in place for a long time. Developers must be responsible for their actions to ensure compliance with the law. Runoff from construction sites is a primary contributor to the impairment of water quality and EPA is vigorously enforcing federal regulations to help reduce this problem. This settlement is a strong signal of this Administration's commitment to increased enforcement of our nation's environmental laws and regulations.

The defendants are charged with not only illegally discharging contaminated waste water, but also engaging in a concerted effort to cover it up.

These defendants knowingly mishandled hazardous waste both in Pennsylvania and abroad. The message is clear: we will pursue criminals demonstrating such willful disregard for the public's safety and the environment -- even when it crosses jurisdictional lines -- and we will continue the collaborative efforts with international authorities to prosecute these crimes.