Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 27, 1990 TAG: 9003272237
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER MATHEWS NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
They said Monday they do not believe it poses a threat to the work force or the environment.
Al Guarino, the plant manager, said the cause of the discrepancy was not known - that it could have resulted from a leak, an accounting error, pilferage or other factors. The shortage was reported to federal and state environmental officials on March 7, the company said.
But Carrie Dietzel, an Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman in Philadelphia, said the shortage was caused by a leak from a 2-inch underground pipeline. It was contained to a gravel bed and caused no particular problems.
Only a small quantity of toluene was involved and water supplies were not affected, Dietzel said.
Guarino could not be reached to respond to Dietzel's comments, which were based on discussions between EPA representatives and Wolverine officials. He said earlier that company officials took the "worst case" when they reported the problem.
"They feel, first find out whether you've got a problem," he said. "We don't know what we're reporting."
Wolverine uses the chemical, a colorless liquid similar to benzene, in the manufacture of rubber coatings. The plant makes a variety of gaskets for use in automobiles.
EPA toxicologist Samuel Rotenberg said toluene, commonly used as a solvent, has been extensively studied. Tests have shown the chemical does not cause cancer in animals and has no harmful effects when released in the air in small quantities.
Guarino said Wolverine has hired a Richmond consultant to investigate and the company may have more information by the end of the week.
Wolverine, a division of the Eagle-Picher Automotive Group in Cincinnati, employs 285 to 290 people in Blacksburg.
by CNB