ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY HEADLINESEnvironment and Sustainability
EPA, PA DEP File Complaint against Erie Coke
Sep. 23, 2009 The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint against Erie Coke Corp. for Clean Air Act violations at its coke foundry in Erie, Pa.
Filed on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the complaint alleges visible air emissions above allowable limits as well as improper maintenance and operation of Erie Coke’s coke ovens. The complaint also alleges Erie Coke did not conduct required annual emissions testing for one boiler since 1999 and another boiler since 2003.
The complaint requires Erie Coke to obtain the necessary permits and expedite all actions necessary to comply with the Clean Air Act, including provisions of the Pennsylvania state implementation plan. Erie Coke also could be subject to fines up to $32,500 per day for each violation occurring since March, 15, 2004, and $37,500 per day for each violation after Jan. 12, 2009.
Before filing their complaint, EPA and Pennsylvania DEP fully investigated the operations of the 58 coke ovens at Erie Coke Works to evaluate what is needed for the ovens to operate effectively and within the regulations.