The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it has assessed a $1 million penalty against Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. for air quality violations at its facility in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County.

Through a Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty, Matheson has agreed to pay the full settlement amount, which will be paid to the Pennsylvania Clean Air Fund.

In November 2008, Matheson took ownership of the Montgomery County facility from Advanced Gas Technologies and began operation of a compressed gas production facility.

Matheson operated its specialty gas plant without the necessary permits or control devices for five years.

It was determined in 2012 that Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions were significantly higher than originally recorded at the time of sale. The amount of VOC emissions from the facility also resulted in violations of Air Quality regulations.

A thermal oxidizer was installed at the facility December 2013 to control emissions. The company worked promptly to resolve all violations and attain the necessary permits and approvals.

Matheson is currently in compliance with all Air Quality regulations.

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