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EPA reaches agreement with Azimow and Culbertson on clean-air violations

Release Date: 11/05/2007
Contact Information: William Omohundro, 312-353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA201

CHICAGO (Nov. 5, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Azimow and Culbertson Scrap Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's secondary aluminum production facility at 206 S. Curve St., Alexandria, Ind.

The agreement, which includes a $1,000 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Azimow operated a furnace for melting scrap aluminum without testing the furnace for dioxin and furan emissions. In addition, the company failed to meet reporting, planning and other requirements for the furnace.

Azimow ceased operating the furnace in January 2006 after the Indiana Department of Environmental Management informed the company that it was violating the Clean Air Act. Azimow has since dismantled and scrapped the furnace.

There is evidence that dioxins may cause liver damage and probably cause cancer in humans, and furans may cause cancer in humans.

Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at https://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.