EPA reaches agreement with Sturgis Iron and Metal on clean-air violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Sturgis Iron and Metal Co. Inc. on alleged clean-air violations at the company’s secondary aluminum production plant, 3113 S. Gertrude St., South Bend, Ind.

The agreement, which includes a $29,059 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Sturgis operated a sweat furnace with an afterburner at the facility without complying with certain federal testing, planning, notification and recordkeeping requirements. These requirements are designed to ensure that the furnace meets emission standards for hazardous dioxins and furans.

There is evidence that dioxins may cause liver damage and probably cause cancer in humans, while furans may cause cancer.

Information about EPA Region 5’s air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.