Federal Government Files Complaint Against Chemical Importer
A New York-based chemical supplier is facing legal action for allegedly importing millions of pounds of toxic materials without proper oversight.
Regulators have filed an administrative complaint against Wego Chemical Group of Great Neck, New York, and its affiliates for multiple alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The U.S. EPA alleges that the company engaged in a years-long pattern of failing to report its import and domestic distribution of chemical substances. According to the complaint, the company imported hundreds of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, primarily from China, without meeting basic federal reporting requirements.
The agency stated that the company initially failed to submit its required 2020 Quadrennial Chemical Data Reporting submission. This filing is the primary mechanism used by federal regulators to screen, assess and manage chemical risks. When the company eventually submitted the data, it reportedly omitted required information regarding the intended use of the chemicals.
Regulators also allege that at least one imported chemical could not lawfully be brought into the United States under any circumstances.
The 10-count complaint outlines eight distinct categories of federal violations. Among the specific allegations, the government claims the company failed to submit a Pre-Manufacture Notification before importing a new chemical substance and failed to file a required compliance certification at the time of import.
The company is also accused of failing to notify federal regulators before exporting two chemicals to Canada that were subject to significant new use rules. Additional counts allege the company filed a false notice regarding the start of an import operations and submitted a false certification regarding a previous risk evaluation.
The federal investigation into the company’s compliance practices began in May 2021. The filing of the administrative complaint marks the official beginning of the formal enforcement process.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is Assistant Editor of EPOnline.com.
