The EPA Region 5 announced Monday that it has cited Mittal Steel USA Inc. for alleged clean-air violations at the company’s steel mill in Burns Harbor, Ind.
EPA alleges that in 1994, Mittal modified a coke oven battery, resulting in a significant increase in sulfur dioxide emissions, without getting a state permit that would have required the best available technology to control the emissions.
Sulfur dioxide exposure can impair breathing, aggravate existing respiratory diseases like bronchitis and reduce the ability of the lungs to clear foreign particles. Sulfur dioxide can cause acid rain and contribute to fine particle pollution. Children, the elderly and people with heart and lung conditions are the most sensitive to sulfur dioxide.
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. Mittal has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.
Information on EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gove/region5/air/enforce/index.html.