By HANNAH CLARKIN

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FISKEVILLE — Océ Imaging Supplies, formerly known as Arkwright Incorporated, faces a fine of nearly $200,000 for Clean Air Act violations reported by the Environmental Protection Agency, says EPA spokesman David Deegan.

“The EPA has issued what’s called a complaint which is similar to initiating a lawsuit or filing charges,” Deegan says. “Based on the inspection that we performed, we’ve identified what we believe are violations of different aspects of the Clean Air Act.”

Océ does digital imaging media, specialty printing on paper, film and architectural blue-prints, Deegan says, and some of the processes used have been handled unsafely.

Those violations, Deegan says, include a failure to adequately capture pollution emitted by two coating lines, resulting in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants.

“The company continued to operate one of the coating lines for approximately three and a half weeks after it learned that the capture system was not functioning as required,” Deegan says. “In addition, Océ failed to submit timely and accurate compliance reports.”

The process from here is up to Océ, Deegan says. The company can choose to pursue a trial with a series of hearings before a judge or it can decide to enter settlement negotiations. Océ has made no formal response as yet, he says.

Some of the pollutants released in these violations can pose a serious risk to both workers and the public, Deegan says, which is the EPA’s primary concern.

“Some of these volatile organic compounds contribute to the formation of smog,” he says, “which can damage lung tissue and reduce lung function.”

Oce representatives could not be reached for comment.