Feb. 16, 2007 — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice have reached an agreement with WCI Steel Inc. on measures to protect migratory birds and other wildlife from oily waste found in impoundments (ponds, sludge containment areas or lagoons) on its property. The company will also pay a $620,000 penalty through a related bankruptcy proceeding.

The consent decree resolves a 2002 order that required WCI to permanently stop managing oily waste and remove it from 11 impoundments. The order was based in part on inspections by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and EPA. The inspectors found 34 dead birds and bats at the site. WCI was given the option of installing netting for some of the impoundments.

The new agreement includes such wildlife protection measures as the installation of netting over two impoundments, implementation of fire risk and oil management plans, removal of sludge and addition to the facility’s existing wildlife deterrent system. WCI has completely removed eight of the 11 impoundments subject to the original 2002 order.

Under federal law, EPA controls certain waste from production to final disposal and can issue orders to protect human health and the environment.

WCI Steel manufactures custom flat-rolled steel products and occupies 1,100 acres in Warren. The company recently reorganized under bankruptcy laws.

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