In early April, the U.S. EPA region five cited eight companies for alleged violations of federal architectural coating rules. The companies cited include: Lymtal International (Lake Orion, MI), Nelson Paint Co. (Kingsford, MI), Pro Coatings, Inc. (Sparta, MI), Aexcel Corp. (Mentor, OH), Republic Powdered Metals, Inc. (Beachwood, OH), Carbit Paint Co. (Chicago), Viking Paints Inc. (Richfield, MN) and Mule-Hide Products (Beloit, WI). Allegations against the companies include making coatings that exceed limits on smog-producing VOCs, not correctly labeling products and not submitting proper notifications to EPA. The companies had 30 days from the receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss the allegations and how to resolve them.