The Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation has agreed to resolve ongoing Clean Air Act violations, according to an announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the announcement on October 19, 2023, that the Dearborn plant had not achieved full compliance with the consent agreement that had been approved in 2015, which required specified pollution control measures to be taken. The new order compels additional and extensive actions to be taken in order to reduce emissions of both lead and manganese because both of these compounds have been related to serious health risks, particularly those that can affect the nervous system.
Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance was quoted in the statement as stating, "Today's announcement shows that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice are committed to achieving cleaner air for communities across the country." As a result of the enhancements, residents of the area who are disproportionately affected by the plant's emissions may see some relief as a result of the improvements.
According to a press statement issued by the EPA, Cleveland-Cliffs plans to replace the plant's existing electrostatic precipitator (ESP), which acts as a filter that removes dust and other particles from flue gases. Standard testing will be performed on the newly developed ESP to ensure that it satisfies the requirements for permissible emissions.
In addition, the Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division, Todd Kim, made the following statement regarding the press release: "This modification will result in better air quality for Dearborn residents around the plant, who have been disproportionately burdened by pollution."
According to a statement released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company has agreed to upgrade its facilities and pay a civil penalty to the state of Michigan in the amount of $81,380 for exceeding state licenses relating to restrictions on opacity, lead, and manganese levels. A supplementary environmental project that will see the distribution of home air purifiers to local homes will cost Cleveland-Cliffs around 244,000 dollars, which will be spent by the company on the initiative.
