ON DECEMBER 30, 1999, EPA REGION III ISSUED AN ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY ORDER (APO) TO SURGICAL SPECIALITIES CORP.,FOR VIOLATION OF THE PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLEAN WATER ACT, 33 U.S.C. SECTION 1317, AND ITS IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS, 40 C.F.R. SECTION 403 AND 433. THE APO ALLEGES THAT SURGICAL SPECIALTIES, A MANUFACTURER OF PRECISION MEDICAL DEVICES LOCATED IN SHILLINGTON, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, VIOLATED LIMITS ON THE DISCHARGE OF LEAD OF PUBLICLY-OWNED WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS. EPA SEEKS PENALTIES OF $19,000 AGAINST SURGICAL SPECIALTIES FOR THESE VIOLATIONS.