[Superior Tube Co., in Lower Providence Township] allowed the escape of more than 2,400 pounds of toxic gas into the air over a 2 1/2-hour period — more than 60 times the allowed amount, state officials said yesterday. Previously, Department of Environmental Protection officials had said only that the release of trichloroethylene (TCE) — a probable human carcinogen — was more than 100 pounds.
The company released far more of the chemical than allowed, and it violated a requirement to report the problem within two hours, state officials said, waiting instead until 19 hours after the July 10 incident. The company’s permit allows the emission of 15 pounds per hour from the equipment that malfunctioned on July 10.
INQUIRER: Whoopsie!