EPA v. STEEL DYNAMICS

Case summary

On February 26, 2015, EPA issued a Notice of Violation and Finding of Violation (NOV/FOV) to SDI for various violations, including violations of Title V permit conditions at the Iron Dynamics Division Plant (IDD) and Flat Roll Division Plant (FRD). These violations were referred to DOJ on September 23, 2015. At the IDD, EPA alleged that SDI failed to maintain flow rate records at a scrubber controlling emissions from a pickling line. The maintenance of these records is required by its Title V permit. SDI acknowledged that these records were not maintained. EPA also alleged SDI failed to operate a baghouse controlling emissions from a rotary hearth furnace (RHF) within the established pressure drop operating range as required by its Title V permit. SDI acknowledged that the RHF operated while the RHF baghouse was out of pressure drop compliance. At the FRD, EPA alleged that SDI failed to capture all emissions from three ladle metallurgical stations (LMSs) and route them to a baghouse, as required by its Title V permit. In response, SDI agreed to increase airflow at the LMSs to resolve the violation. To settle this case, SDI will be required to implement a new recordkeeping system for the scrubber monitoring system at the IDD and implement increased RHF baghouse monitoring, and to document response steps to out of range pressure drop readings. At the FRD, SDI will be required to construct and operate a new or expanded baghouse to control emissions from the LMSs. As part of the settlement, SDI will pay a penalty of $475,000 split evenly with the State of Indiana. EPA estimates that this settlement will result in a reduction of PM10 emissions of approximately 270 tons per year. This emission reduction is driven by the installation of a new, larger baghouse or expansion of an existing baghouse to control emissions from the LMSs.

Defendants (1)

• STEEL DYNAMICSNamed in complaintNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• STEEL DYNAMICS, INC. FLAT ROLL GROUP, BUTLER DIVISION

  4500 CR 59, BUTLER, IN, 46721-9747

  Registry ID: 110000592396

Statutes cited

• CAA 502 — Operating Permits (Title V)
• CAA 111 — New Source Performance Standards
• CAA 112D — MACT Standards

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• STEEL DYNAMICSentered 2021-06-11

  Primary law: CAA

  Federal penalty: $237,500 · State/local: $237,500

Timeline (7 milestones)

• 2015-09-23Referred To Dept Of Justice
• 2015-09-24Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2021-03-01Complaint Filed With Court
• 2021-03-01Final Order Lodged
• 2021-06-11Final Order Entered
• 2026-02-13Air Resolved
• 2026-02-18Enforcement Action Closed