U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Aluminum Recovery Technologies Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at its aluminum recovery plant in Kendallville, Ind. EPA proposed a $150,000 penalty.
"We're alleging that ART released almost 18 times more dioxins and furans than is allowed by federal regulations," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. He said the excess emissions were discovered when tests were done in April 2003.
ART made operational changes at the plant, and more testing was done this past November. These tests showed compliance with dioxin and furan regulations.
ART has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing. It may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss how to resolve the allegations.
The EPA office also cited Cleveland Corp., a Zion, Ill., scrap facility, for alleged clean-air violations.
The Region 5 office alleged that the company failed to comply with federal testing, monitoring, notification, reporting, recordkeeping and operating requirements for its sweat furnace. EPA said the company should have tested its furnace for dioxin and furan emissions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 also cited B&B Metals for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant in Newton, Wis.
EPA alleges B&B Metals failed to comply with federal testing, notification, monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for its furnace. EPA said the company should have tested the furnace for dioxin and furan emissions.
"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," Mathur said. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."
These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the companies. Both companies have 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.