Timken, EPA Agree to Replace Switches

Timken, EPA Agree to Replace Switches The Timken Co. has agreed to remove switches containing mercury in its plants to reduce a fine owed to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to resolve air-pollution violations. Under the revised agreement, the company will replace at least 30 switches, relays and other mercury-containing devices with mercury-free devices by March 2011.The project will probably cost about $22,500, the company estimated. Toward that end, the EPA and the company agreed in Stark County Common Pleas Court to reduce the fine still owed by the company from $110,000 to $87,500. The EPA had said a portion of the balance due could be reduced if the company submitted an acceptable environment beneficial project.