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EPA Directs Weirton Steel to Clean Up Oil Spill

Release Date: 8/11/2000
Contact Information: Roy Seneca, (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca, 215-814-5567

WEIRTON, W. Va. - - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is ordering Weirton Steel to clean up oil discharged into the Ohio River. Downstream from the Weirton plant are a number of public water supply intakes which could be negatively impacted by these oil spills.

Today’s order requires Weirton Steel to immediately contain the oil pollution, clean up the oil and develop a plan to prevent future oil discharges. Discharging oil that creates a sheen is a violation of the Clean Water Act. According to EPA’s administrative order, Weirton Steel is exceeding the limits of its discharge permit.

“Aerial photographs clearly show oil on the river. It is important that Weirton contain this oil immediately, and develop a plan to prevent this from happening again in the future,” said Bradley Campbell, regional administrator of EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The Clean Water Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, prohibits discharges of oil or oil products into United States waterways and coastal areas in quantities that are harmful to the environment or public health or welfare.