The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with McWane Inc., doing business as AB&I, regarding violations of the Clean Air Act at its Oakland iron foundry. The company has agreed to pay a $274,000 fine and has closed the Oakland facility, ceasing operations in late 2022.
Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, commented on the situation stating, “Excess and untested air emissions from facilities like this have caused harm to our East Bay communities. EPA will continue to pursue and fine facilities that do not comply with federal clean air laws.”
The violations were documented by the EPA in April 2022 through a Finding and Notice of Violation issued to AB&I. These included five breaches between 2018 and 2020 related to the facility's operating permit and National Emission Standards for Iron and Steel Foundries.
In December 2019, EPA inspectors identified smoke emissions from an asphalt coating line entering the foundry building without proper control system engagement. Chemical resin odors were also detected during this inspection. The issue was addressed following an investigation.
Additionally, it was discovered that the facility did not continuously monitor multiple baghouse leak detection events for nearly a year. A baghouse is crucial for removing harmful particulate matter from emissions. However, incorrect monitors incapable of compliance were installed at the facility, leading to undetected excess emissions. Two other baghouses operated for over two weeks without compliant monitors.
Other noted violations included performance test failures in December 2018 and January 2019 that led to excess particulate matter emissions. There was also a failure in October 2019 to consistently monitor emissions from its metal melting cupola furnace, breaching its operating permit requirements.
Particulate matter is known for causing health issues due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs or even enter the bloodstream when particles are less than ten micrometers in diameter. This pollutant is also responsible for visibility reduction or haze across various regions in the United States.
For more details on emission standards or reporting potential environmental law violations, individuals can visit EPA’s Iron and Steel Foundries Emissions Standards website or their enforcement webpage.
