Settlement with Franklin, N.H. Manufacturer will Help Prevent Hazardous Emissions
09/27/2016
Contact Information:
David Deegan (deegan.dave@epa.gov)
617-918-1017
BOSTON - A company that manufactures valves in Franklin, N.H. has taken steps to help prevent emissions of hazardous air pollutants under an agreement signed recently with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to the settlement, Watts Regulator Co. will also pay a penalty of $112,200 to settle claims it violated the Clean Air Act.
Watts Regulator operates two foundry process lines at its facility in Franklin. Each line has a separate set of controls for particulate matter. These process lines are subject to two National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). One standard applies to metal fabrication and finishing operations, and the other applies to aluminum, copper, and other nonferrous foundries.
"To ensure better protection of public health and the environment, it is critical for facilities take appropriate steps to demonstrate that they can meet emission limits," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office.
According to EPA's complaint, Watts Regulator had failed to submit timely notifications and reports to EPA for both lines and had failed to conduct a performance test on one of the process lines to ensure it meets EPA's emission requirements. Watts has since submitted the late reports and completed the required testing. The company was cooperative with EPA, and once notified of the violations, it promptly took steps to come into compliance with federal air regulations.
More information:
- NESHAP compliance monitoring (www.epa.gov/compliance/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-compliance-monitoring)
- Industry-specific NESHAP requirements (www3.epa.gov/ttn/atw/mactfnlalph.html)
Watts Water Technologies Breaks Ground on NH Facility Expansion
North Andover, MA May 4, 2012 Watts Water Technologies broke ground on a multimillion dollar, 30,000 square foot expansion to its Franklin, NH Facility, which produces products for many of its brands. New Hampshire state and local dignitaries, including Governor John Lynch and Franklin Mayor Kenneth Merrifield, joined officials from Watts Water Technologies Inc. on March 26, 2012 to celebrate the company's expansion in the city, which will bring with it new jobs and increased capacity to meet federal Lead Free guidelines.The expansion reflects the company’s commitment to proactively meet the requirements of the “The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act”, which goes into effect in January 2014. It will enable the company to expand its foundry capabilities, and achieve its goal to provide additional Lead Free products to the market ahead of the 2014 law.
“We’re continuing a legacy of industry leadership and safety that has been the hallmark of this company since its founding in 1874,” said Watts Water Technologies CEO and President David Coghlan. “Our goal is to help our customers to make their own Lead Free transitions early and smoothly. This facility will be pivotal in ensuring that capability.”
The expansion is anticipated to create additional employment at the plant, which has grown in recent years by more than one hundred staff due to additional Watts Water initiatives— including the decision to transfer manufacturing activities back from China to its Franklin, NH operation. This will return these currently off-shore jobs and industry back to the U.S. and New Hampshire, and also protect the hundreds of jobs the company has already invested in the facility.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch cited the dedication of the workers as a reason why Watts Water continues to expand in Franklin: "We very much appreciate the investment Watts continues to make," Lynch said. "Watts could have chosen to expand anywhere and it's a vote of confidence to all of you that it's chosen to expand this facility right here in New Hampshire."
"It makes me proud,” said Franklin Mayor Kenneth Merrifield, “as a New Hampshire resident and an American, that you have been able to bring product lines back from China and bring jobs back from China.”
The company’s primary intent is to expand its foundry manufacturing capabilities at what has become its largest North American manufacturing facility located in Franklin, NH. Accordingly, Watts Water Technologies is initiating the planning and permitting process to ensure the foundry expansion will meet all local, state and federal guidelines.
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. with worldwide sales over $1 Billion Dollars, designs, manufactures, and sells an extensive line of valves and related flow control products to the Plumbing and Heating and Water Quality markets.