EPA Cites Republic Engineered Products For Clean-Air Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Republic Engineered Products Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's steel mill in Lorain, Ohio.

EPA alleges Republic violated federal and state regulations and its state operating permit by exceeding limits on opacity, or the amount of light obscured by particulates (smoke, dust, ash), from its basic oxygen process vessels and its blast furnace cast house in 2005 and 2006.

The alleged violations were discovered during EPA and Ohio EPA inspections and from information submitted by Republic.

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. Republic has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

EPA’s regional office also filed an administrative complaint against CertainTeed Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's roofing materials manufacturing plant in Shakopee, Minn.

EPA proposed a $272,140 penalty.

EPA alleges that CertainTeed failed to include two units of its manufacturing processes in its state operating permit application and operated those units without a permit. EPA also alleges that another portion of its processes was operated without the emission control efficiency required in the company's state operating permit.

CertainTeed has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing. The company may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss resolving the allegations.