U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Companhia Siderurgica Nacional LLC on alleged clean-air violations at the company's steel plant in Terre Haute, Ind. EPA assessed a $15,793 penalty, and the company has agreed to a $34,273 environmental project.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that CSN emitted hydrochloric acid — in amounts greater than what is allowed by federal regulations — from its steel pickle line. The incident occurred during a March 2003 test.

"For its environmental project, CSN will buy a thermal imaging camera and six laptop computers for the Honey Creek Fire Department to help the department respond better to hazardous waste accidents," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.

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.