Synopsis: Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation (formerly AK Steel) is taking significant steps to address Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan, steel manufacturing plant. The company will invest over $100 million to reduce visible emissions and curb harmful pollutants like manganese and lead. This effort aims to improve air quality and health for local residents, who have borne the brunt of pollution. The modification to the 2015 consent decree also includes penalties and an environmental project providing air purifiers to affected households.Article: In a noteworthy commitment to environmental responsibility, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, formerly known as AK Steel, is taking extensive measures to rectify Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan steel manufacturing plant. The United States, along with the state of Michigan, and the company have modified a 2015 consent decree to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for local communities.The initial consent decree mandated actions to address visible air emissions from the Dearborn plant. However, these measures proved insufficient to bring the facility into full compliance with the Clean Air Act. Consequently, the modified agreement requires Cleveland-Cliffs to embark on additional measures costing more than $100 million. These actions will not only reduce visible emissions from the plant but also curtail the release of toxic substances like manganese and lead.The significance of this endeavor lies in its potential to mitigate the adverse health effects of lead and manganese pollution. Breathing these pollutants can have detrimental impacts on the central nervous system, kidney function, and various other bodily systems. Moreover, they are associated with immune, cardiovascular, reproductive, and developmental issues in humans.Cleveland-Cliffs has already initiated a substantial portion of the required work in anticipation of this agreement. The company's commitment to enhancing air quality and community health is evident in these proactive measures.Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann, responsible for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, emphasized the commitment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice to cleaner air and healthier communities. The changes planned at the Dearborn facility are expected to mitigate harmful air pollution and improve local air quality, benefitting residents in the vicinity.Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) highlighted that the modification would ensure compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements, leading to better air quality for residents who have disproportionately endured pollution burdens.The modification outlines specific requirements, including the replacement of the plant's electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to control visible emissions and regular testing to ensure compliance with emission limits and operational parameters. It also entails consistent monitoring of visible emissions.As part of the agreement, Cleveland-Cliffs will pay a civil penalty of $81,380 to the State of Michigan for violating state permit limits related to opacity, lead, and manganese. Additionally, the company will introduce a state-law supplemental environmental project. This initiative will provide home air purifiers to nearby residents at an estimated cost of $244,000. The facility's location is recognized for environmental justice concerns, as indicated by data from the EPA's EJSCREEN tool.This concerted effort by Cleveland-Cliffs represents a significant step toward environmental accountability and the well-being of communities affected by industrial emissions.Conclusion: Cleveland-Cliffs, in collaboration with the EPA and the Department of Justice, is taking substantial measures to address Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan steel plant. With an investment exceeding $100 million, the company aims to reduce visible emissions and mitigate the release of hazardous pollutants like manganese and lead. This effort not only enhances air quality but also prioritizes the health of local residents. The modified agreement includes penalties and an environmental project to provide air purifiers to households in the area, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.
Synopsis: Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation (formerly AK Steel) is taking significant steps to address Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan, steel manufacturing plant. The company will invest over $100 million to reduce visible emissions and curb harmful pollutants like manganese and lead. This effort aims to improve air quality and health for local residents, who have borne the brunt of pollution. The modification to the 2015 consent decree also includes penalties and an environmental project providing air purifiers to affected households.Article: In a noteworthy commitment to environmental responsibility, Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation, formerly known as AK Steel, is taking extensive measures to rectify Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan steel manufacturing plant. The United States, along with the state of Michigan, and the company have modified a 2015 consent decree to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for local communities.The initial consent decree mandated actions to address visible air emissions from the Dearborn plant. However, these measures proved insufficient to bring the facility into full compliance with the Clean Air Act. Consequently, the modified agreement requires Cleveland-Cliffs to embark on additional measures costing more than $100 million. These actions will not only reduce visible emissions from the plant but also curtail the release of toxic substances like manganese and lead.The significance of this endeavor lies in its potential to mitigate the adverse health effects of lead and manganese pollution. Breathing these pollutants can have detrimental impacts on the central nervous system, kidney function, and various other bodily systems. Moreover, they are associated with immune, cardiovascular, reproductive, and developmental issues in humans.Cleveland-Cliffs has already initiated a substantial portion of the required work in anticipation of this agreement. The company's commitment to enhancing air quality and community health is evident in these proactive measures.Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann, responsible for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, emphasized the commitment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice to cleaner air and healthier communities. The changes planned at the Dearborn facility are expected to mitigate harmful air pollution and improve local air quality, benefitting residents in the vicinity.Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) highlighted that the modification would ensure compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements, leading to better air quality for residents who have disproportionately endured pollution burdens.The modification outlines specific requirements, including the replacement of the plant's electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to control visible emissions and regular testing to ensure compliance with emission limits and operational parameters. It also entails consistent monitoring of visible emissions.As part of the agreement, Cleveland-Cliffs will pay a civil penalty of $81,380 to the State of Michigan for violating state permit limits related to opacity, lead, and manganese. Additionally, the company will introduce a state-law supplemental environmental project. This initiative will provide home air purifiers to nearby residents at an estimated cost of $244,000. The facility's location is recognized for environmental justice concerns, as indicated by data from the EPA's EJSCREEN tool.This concerted effort by Cleveland-Cliffs represents a significant step toward environmental accountability and the well-being of communities affected by industrial emissions.Conclusion: Cleveland-Cliffs, in collaboration with the EPA and the Department of Justice, is taking substantial measures to address Clean Air Act violations at its Dearborn, Michigan steel plant. With an investment exceeding $100 million, the company aims to reduce visible emissions and mitigate the release of hazardous pollutants like manganese and lead. This effort not only enhances air quality but also prioritizes the health of local residents. The modified agreement includes penalties and an environmental project to provide air purifiers to households in the area, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.
