Environmental group says mill exceeds toxicity cap
August 13, 2020By The Associated Press
PORTAGE — An environmental group that sued a steelmaker in December for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act at its northwestern Indiana facility says the company continues to release excess amounts of chemicals into a Lake Michigan tributary.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center said ArcelorMittal has had many self-reported violations for chronic toxicity and discharging excess ammonia into the Burns Waterway. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has reported a total of 13 violations this summer, The Times reported.
ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor’s chronic toxicity exceeded the permitted limit by 1,052% from May 4 to 8 and by 2,050% from June 1 to 5, according to the agency.
Figures show the steel mill exceeded its weekly average limit of ammonia by 3% one week in June and 19% one week in July.
“The reappearance of ArcelorMittal’s permit violations this summer demonstrates why the Environmental Law & Policy Center brought the lawsuit in the first place,” said Jeff Hammons, a staff attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “It is vital that the outcome of our litigation results in a solution to the ongoing problems and monetary fines sufficient to deter future violations.”
Shira Cohen, ArcelorMittal spokesperson, said the Burns Harbor facility tracks the amount of ammonia and other chemicals it discharges.
“We continue to work closely with IDEM and US EPA to investigate and understand the recently reported elevated levels so that any appropriate actions can be identified and implemented,” Cohen said.
The Chicago-based group said it is suing the manufacturer because the state was not enforcing federal environmental rules.
More on DuboisCountyHerald.com
-
Peace on the Water
As Kyle Gudorf and Lance Reynolds searched for their next great catch, the bowfishermen learned... -
County records 5 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Friday five new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
County sees 9 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Thursday nine new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
New chamber director devoted to people
Becky Hickman has always enjoyed helping people succeed by connecting them to resources. -
County records 8 new COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Wednesday eight new COVID-19 cases in Dubois County. -
County sees 5 COVID-19 deaths, 5 new cases
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Tuesday five new COVID-19 deaths in Dubois... -
Man injured in crash with stopped school bus
A Birdseye man was flown to an Evansville hospital with a head injury after his pickup truck... -
County sees 12 more COVID-19 cases
The Indiana State Department of Health has reported since Friday 12 new COVID-19 cases in Dubois...