The chemical was released into the environment through a ventilation fan at the New Hampshire-based manufacturing site on 20 October 2006.

According to local reports, 90 residents within a one-mile radius were evacuated and local public schools were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. There were no injuries reported due to the incident.

Presstek told PrintWeek the fine was related to "alleged violations" of the Clear Air Act's general duty clause and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act's requirement to notify the National Response Center (NRC).

The company is said to have failed to notify the NRC of the chemical's release.

However, Presstek said it did not confirm any violations in the settlement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): "Presstek's primary focus during the incident was to notify local emergency responders and ensure the safety of the community and employees. In addition to local responders, EPA participated in the response."

The leak occurred within the building's chemical storage and wastewater pre-treatment area. While the containment system prevented liquid releases, the company said acid fumes were inadvertently generated and were released to the air through a ventilation fan.

It is also reported that the EPA alleged Presstek had failed to design and maintain a safe facility in violation of the Clean Air Act.

Presstek said it "designs and operates facilities to be in compliance with laws and regulations".

It continued: "The facility was designed to contain releases in the area where the incident occurred. The containment system was successful in preventing a release to the soil, groundwater or surface water.

"However, the discharge to the air from the ventilation fan was not anticipated in the original design."

The company said the matter had now been settled with the EPA. The equipment relating to this incident and the associated coating line have been decommissioned and removed from service.
It has voluntary agreed to perform a supplemental environmental project (SEP) to resolve environmental violations related to a chemical spill.

It involves developing a green chemistry curriculum for use in Massachusetts's schools.