Environmental violations cost Merck $1.5 million

    Merck & Co. will pay a $1.5 million civil penalty to settle alleged violations of federal environmental laws at its pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in Riverside and West Point, PA. 

    The two facilities are located at 100 Avenue C, Riverside, in Northumberland County and 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, in Montgomery County.

    The complaint specifically alleges that Merck did not comply with Clean Air Act emissions record-keeping requirements. It also reports that Merck discharged pollutants in excess of limits in its Clean Water Act permit; failed to notify local officials of hazardous substances released; and failed to properly label and store hazardous waste.

    Merck has resolved the alleged violations and the U.S. has filed a proposed stipulation and order to dismiss the complaint. 

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