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Failure to Use Certified Technicians
September 17, 1998The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has filed Administrative Complaints against several companies in the Southeast as part of a nationwide enforcement initiative under the Federal Clean Air Act as it pertains to the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The Complaints seek a total of more than $100,000 in civil penalties for alleged violations ranging from the failure to use certified technicians while servicing refrigerated appliances and auto and residential air conditioners to the use of unacceptable substitute refrigerants.
- Don Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning, Mobile, AL. It is alleged that the company used uncertified technicians to service refrigerated appliances. The proposed penalty is $3,000.
- Cleveland and Roberson, Inc. d/b/a Rob'E Mans, Homewood, AL. The company allegedly used three uncertified technicians to service motor vehicle air conditioners. The proposed penalty is $15,000.
- Southern Rubber Company, Birmingham, AL. It is alleged that the company used an uncertified technician to service motor vehicle air conditioners. The proposed penalty is $5,000.
- Julie's Limousine and Coachworks, Inc., Clearwater, FL. It is alleged that the company used an uncertified technician to service motor vehicle air conditioners and that the company failed to certify ownership of refrigerant recovery equipment. The proposed penalty is $22,000.
- Chastain Properties d/b/a Spanish Village, Columbus, GA. EPA alleged that the company used an uncertified technician to service refrigerated appliances. The proposed penalty is $9,000.
- Precision Automotive, Inc. d/b/a Precision Imports, Macon, GA. EPA alleged that the company used an uncertified technician and an unacceptable substitute refrigerant to service auto air conditioners and failed to certify that it owned refrigerant recovery equipment. The proposed penalty is $39,627.50.
- Hall Tire and Auto Lube Service, Meridian, MS. It is alleged that the company used an unacceptable substitute refrigerant in auto air conditioning system. The company is ordered to stop using the refrigerant.
- Mitch-Co. Inc. d/b/a General Service, Forest, MS. It is alleged that the company used an uncertified technician to service residential air conditioners and failed to certify that it owned refrigerant recovery equipment. The proposed penalty is $15,015