Pennsylvania lighter maker to pay $186K in settlement with federal government for violations

Zippo, the Pennsylvania maker of iconic cigarette lighters best known for their distinctive metal cases, has agreed to pay $186,000 to settle allegations it violated federal hazardous waste laws.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said this week that Zippo Manufacturing Co.'s alleged violations included reporting and storage practices at its Bradford facility.

Zippo spokesman Jeff Duke tells the Bradford Era (http://bit.ly/1fIhnkC ) that the violations were mainly clerical in nature. He says employees were unaware that reporting requirements had changed and that equipment they were using was no longer approved by regulators.

Duke says there were no issues with chemicals being released or toxic materials spilled. A contractor working for the EPA discovered an unpermitted evaporator or thermal treatment unit in use at the company's facility.

The evaporator has been removed.

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Information from: The Bradford Era, http://www.bradfordera.com