CHICAGO (Nov. 3, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Spectro
Alloys Corp. for alleged clean-air violations at the company's
aluminum recovery plant at 13220 Doyle Path Road, Rosemount, Minn.
"We're proposing a $247,578 penalty and alleging, among other
things, that Spectro emitted excessive amounts of dioxins and furans
and hydrochloric acid from its furnaces and scrap dryers," said
Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.
Spectro has 30 days from receipt of the complaint to file an answer
and request a hearing. It may request an informal conference with
EPA at any time to discuss how to resolve the allegations.
EPA said Spectro has made operational changes and done testing
that shows it is now in compliance with regulations covering emissions
from its furnaces and scrap dryers. It has also fixed other problems
identified in the complaint, including data recording device failures.
There is evidence that dioxins may cause liver damage and probably
cause cancer in humans, and furans may cause cancer in humans.
Hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.
Inhalation may cause coughing, hoarseness, inflammation and ulceration
of the respiratory tract, and chest pain.
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