U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Superior Aluminum Alloys on alleged violations of federal clean-air regulations at the company's aluminum plant in New Haven, Ind. EPA assessed a $33,550 penalty and the company agreed to an environmental project costing at least $100,650.
The agreement resolves an EPA administrative complaint alleging that Superior failed to comply with testing, inspection, record keeping and reporting requirements of the Clean Air Act.
"As its environmental project, Superior has agreed to install equipment on its furnaces that will reduce smog-producing nitrogen oxide emissions and natural gas usage," said EPA Regional Administrator Thomas Skinner. "This will cut smog levels and protect the health of people in the Fort Wayne-New Haven area."
Companies that violate the Clean Air Act may voluntarily propose environmental projects as part of their settlements. EPA may reduce monetary penalties if it believes a project will cut pollution significantly and goes beyond what is required by EPA regulations.