Open / Close Advertisement

EPA Cites Spectro Alloys for Clean-Air Violations

11/04/2004 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Spectro Alloys Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant in Rosemount, Minn.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Spectro Alloys Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant in Rosemount, Minn.

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

Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Inhalation may cause coughing, hoarseness, inflammation and ulceration of the respiratory tract, and chest pain.

"We're proposing a $247,578 penalty and alleging, among other things, that Spectro emitted excessive amounts of dioxins and furans and hydrochloric acid from its furnaces and scrap dryers," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.

Spectro has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer and request a hearing. It may request an informal conference with EPA at any time to discuss how to resolve the allegations.

EPA said Spectro has made operational changes and done testing that shows it is now in compliance with regulations covering emissions from its furnaces and scrap dryers. It has also fixed other problems identified in the complaint, including data recording device failures.