Alabama Recycler Faces Environmental Fine

Environmental regulators are slapping a Montgomery, Ala., recycler with a $17,000 fine after they said his business was caught operating a potentially air-polluting smelter without state permission for a second time.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has accused John Jordan, who does business as Alabama Recycling, of running a sweat furnace without a license.

ADEM inspectors found the furnace recently had been operated when they visited Alabama Recycling in February. An employee confirmed that the furnace had been used, according to state records.

Two weeks later, Alabama Recycling filed a belated application to get an air-pollution permit from ADEM. The agency issued a permit for the furnace in May.

In filing the charge, the DADEM noted that according to state code, Owners are required to apply to the Department in writing for a permit and must obtain permit coverage before constructing, installing, modifying or using any equipment or device as designated by regulations capable of or causing, or contributing to air pollution.

The Department is proposing a civil penalty in the amount of $17,000.00. The Order, if issued, would require the facility to pay a monetary penalty and comply with all requirements of ADEM Administration. It was filed Oct. 11.

The Department is proposing a civil penalty in the amount of $17,000.00. The Order, if issued, would require the facility to pay a monetary penalty and comply with all requirements of ADEM Administration. It was filed Oct. 11.

The ADEM will be taking public comments over the next week. The fine will be due 45 days after the comment period, which will be around the middle of December.

According to press reports Jordan claimed that the company used the furnace just once for a "dry run." He also contended that the employee had been mistaken when ADEM was told that any smelting had gone on in the furnace.

Alabama Recycling has told ADEM that it cannot pay the fine. But Ronald W. Gore, chief of ADEM's air division, said his office cannot verify that the fine would present a true financial hardship for Jordan.

Gore noted that several years ago Alabama Recycling was found to be operating a sweat furnace without a permit, and eventually shut the furnace down.