EPA Cites Company for Air Pollution

Jan. 10, 2000
General Iron Industries Inc., was cited for violation of clean-air regulations at the company's scrap-processing yard in Chicago.

EPA Region 5 recently cited General Iron Industries Inc., for alleged violations of clean-air regulations at the company's scrap-processing yard in Chicago.

In May 1999, EPA issued a cease and desist order to General Iron after refrigerant releases from appliances processed at the scrap yard were discovered.

Chloroflourocarbon refrigerants deplete the good ozone layer, allowing dangerous, cancer-causing ultraviolet rays from the sun to strike the earth.

Production of some of these chemicals was stopped in 1995, and now Federal law strictly controls their use and handling.

EPA inspectors discovered, June 3, 1999, that General Iron was not complying with the order to desist.

EPA found that the company violated State limits on visible emissions of particulates from two metal shredders. In addition, General Iron failed to comply with work practice rules requiring that specific procedures be followed to minimize particulate releases.

For now, this is a preliminary finding of violations. EPA has a choice of issuing a compliance order, assessing an administrative penalty or bringing suit against the company.

General Iron has 30 days to request a meeting with EPA to discuss the allegations and how to resolve them.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Margaret Guerriero, acting director of the regional Air and Radiation Division. "We will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with clean-air regulations."

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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