EPA Charges 2 Firms in Release of Toxins

Geron Furniture Inc. of Torrance and Plastiglide Manufacturing Corp., a plastic and metal components maker in Hawthorne, have been charged with failing to report the release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere, officials said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking $34,000 in fines from each company. Federal law requires companies to disclose the use of more than 300 industrial chemicals.

Spokesmen for both companies, however, said the agency’s complaints are incorrect because the required reports were filed.

“I think this whole thing is a mistake by the EPA,” said Steve Hsu, business manager for Plastiglide. “We did not violate any rule.”

Both companies have until the end of this month to formally challenge or settle the claims.