Indiana steel mill agrees to pay $3M, improve wastewater system
PORTAGE Ind. (AP) — A steel company has agreed to pay $3 million and improve the wastewater system at an Indiana mill, more than two years after a discharge of ammonia and toxic chemicals killed fish and closed beaches, the federal government said Monday.
The mill, owned at the time by ArcelorMittal USA, exceeded discharge limits and failed to properly report releases at Burns Harbor, the U.S. Justice Department said.
The agreement was made with the mill’s current owner, Cleveland-Cliffs.
The settlement “appropriately penalizes the company for its significant violations and requires extensive actions by the company to prevent future pollution,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim.
Thousands of fish were killed in the East Branch of the Little Calumet River after the discharge of untreated water. Lake Michigan beaches were closed along the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
The government said water pollution levels should be greatly reduced with a new ammonia treatment system and cyanide treatment requirements.
“The company recognizes that all aspects of steelmaking must be accomplished in a responsible manner that minimizes impacts on the environment,” Cleveland-Cliffs said.
Cleveland-Cliffs also agreed to transfer 127 acres to the national lakeshore and conduct water sampling on the Little Calumet River and Lake Michigan.
“The consent decree will result in additional protections for the local community and Lake Michigan and go a long way in improving both health and the environment in northwest Indiana,” said Brian Rockensuess, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Related News
- Cadiz to supply water to over 4,000 California homes through revamped Northern Pipeline
- Virginia American Water to invest over $10 million in water infrastructure upgrades with $15 million Cape Charles acquisition
- Houston urged to allocate $20 million for vital sewer line repairs in marginalized communities
From Archive
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
- Ditch Witch 1030
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis
Comments