WOODINVILLE — A top maker of colored glass in the Pacific Northwest is closing amid concerns over its slumping business and new scrutiny from environmental regulators.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that Spectrum Glass, based in Woodinville, will cease operations within a few months. The company says sales have been weak ever since the recession, and it can’t afford any new pollution controls that might be required by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency following the recent discovery of pollution hotspots around two glassmakers in Portland, Oregon.
The EPA is considering new regulations for the entire U.S. stained glass industry, and the two Portland companies have voluntarily suspended use of toxic heavy metals until they can install pollution-control devices.
Spectrum says it has operated well within environmental guidelines and filtered its furnace exhaust.
