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EPA Settles PCB Violations at Baltimore Steel Plant

Release Date: 10/08/2008
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 /heron.donna@epa.gov

PHILADELPHIA (October 8, 2008) – Severstal Sparrows Point, LLC has settled a case involving alleged violations of federal regulations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at its steel making facility, located at 5111 North Point Boulevard, Baltimore, Md.

In a consent agreement with the EPA, the company has agreed to pay a $107,500 civil penalty to resolve alleged violations of regulations designed to protect public health and the environment from this toxic substance.

The violations were uncovered during an August 2005 inspection when the plant was owned and operated by another company, ISG Sparrows Point, LLC.

PCBs, a probable human carcinogen, were once widely used as a nonflammable coolant for transformers and other electrical equipment. In 1976, Congress enacted the Toxic Substances Control Act, which strictly regulated the manufacture, use and disposal of PCBs. For more information on the health effects, regulations, and cleanup of PCBs, visit www.epa.gov/pcbs/.

Alleged violations included the storage of combustible materials near PCB transformers; failure to perform daily inspections to verify containment of a PCB transformer leak; failure to include required information in quarterly PCB transformer inspection and maintenance records and in written annual document logs; improper storage of PCB articles for reuse and for disposal; improper disposal of PCB waste; and failure to include required information in prepared manifests that accompanied the off-site transport of PCB containers and PCB articles.

ISG Sparrows Point, LLC cooperated with EPA’s investigation and Severstal Sparrows Point, LLC has certified that the facility now is in full compliance with PCB regulations.