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EPA cites GNW Aluminum for clean-air violations

Release Date: 5/5/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA055

CHICAGO (May 5, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited GNW Aluminum for alleged clean-air violations at the company's aluminum recovery plant at 1356 Harrisburg Road, Alliance, Ohio.

EPA alleges GNW failed to comply with testing, planning, reporting, recordkeeping and operating requirements of the Clean Air Act. EPA said the company should have done a performance test on its sweat furnace for dioxins and furans or installed an afterburner to comply with the dioxin and furan emissions limit.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit against the company. The company has 30 days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

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