Dearborn steel mill owner had to spend $100M on air pollution controls after violation
Dearborn steel mill had to spend $100M after air pollution violation Detroit News
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Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp. Overhauls Air Pollution Control System at Dearborn Facility
Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp. has invested over $100 million in the renovation of the air pollution control system at its Dearborn facility. This action was taken after state and federal regulators discovered that the facility had been violating the Clean Air Act by releasing excessive amounts of lead, manganese, and visible emissions.
Modified Pollution-Control Consent Decree
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Justice have announced modifications to a pollution-control consent decree that was originally established in 2015 between the federal government, state government, and AK Steel (which was acquired by Cleveland-Cliffs in 2020).
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division stated, “The agreement will ensure that Cleveland-Cliffs’ steel manufacturing plant in Dearborn operates in compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements. This modification will result in better air quality for Dearborn residents around the plant, who have been disproportionately burdened by pollution.”
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The modified consent decree aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The Dearborn steel plant is located in an “environmental justice” area, where residents are disproportionately affected by pollution due to factors such as high poverty rates and health issues.
EGLE Director Phil Roos commended the modified consent decree, stating that it will help ensure that the facility meets its obligations to the community and provides better protection for residents against air emissions.
About Cleveland-Cliffs’ Dearborn Works Facility
Cleveland-Cliffs’ Dearborn Works facility is responsible for producing carbon steel for the automotive industry and other sectors. The facility includes a blast furnace, basic oxygen furnaces, metallurgy furnaces, and more. It employs 1,290 individuals on its 350-acre campus, previously known as the Rouge Steel plant.
Proactive Measures by Cleveland-Cliffs
According to company spokesperson Patricia Persico, the air emissions issues date back to before Cleveland-Cliffs acquired AK Steel in 2020. Under the modified consent decree, Cleveland-Cliffs has replaced the Dearborn plant’s electrostatic precipitator, which removes particulate matter from exhaust gases and controls visible emissions. This renovation was completed in March.
Persico added, “Under Cleveland-Cliffs ownership and stewardship, the company proactively worked to rebuild the pollution control devices.”
Focus on Lead and Manganese Emissions
The consent decree also requires Cleveland-Cliffs to conduct tests on the device to ensure that it meets emissions standards for lead and manganese, as specified by the EPA. The agency emphasized that breathing in lead and manganese is hazardous, as they can negatively impact the nervous system and cause various health issues, including kidney problems, immune system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and reproductive and developmental complications.
Financial and Community Support
In addition to the renovation efforts, Cleveland-Cliffs will pay a fine of $81,380 to Michigan’s general fund. The company will also invest at least $244,000 in purchasing portable home air purifiers for each residence in a south Dearborn neighborhood. This initiative aims to improve indoor air quality and protect the health of residents.
Samra’a Luqman, a board member of the Concerned Residents of South Dearborn, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with residents in implementing this supplemental environmental project. Luqman stated, “We know that having these filters in residents’ homes will make their indoor air quality better, and that was a vital part of this project.”
Comment Period and Public Meeting
The modified consent decree is open for a 30-day comment period. Individuals can submit comments via email to Pubcomment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov or by mail to Assistant Attorney General, U.S. DOJ-ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611.
For questions about the consent decree, contact EGLE inspector Katie Koster at 313-418-0715 or KosterK1@Michigan.gov.
The EPA will host a virtual public meeting about the consent decree on November 8 at 6 p.m. To join the meeting, participants can log on to https://bit.ly/3ZpgsgF or call 636-651-3142 and use the conference code 374288.
ckthompson@detroitnews.com
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator: Air quality index and levels of lead and manganese in the air.
-
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Indicator: Compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements.
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- Indicator: Reduction in emissions of lead and manganese.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Air quality index and levels of lead and manganese in the air. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | Compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Reduction in emissions of lead and manganese. |
Analysis
The issues highlighted in the article are related to air pollution and its impact on the health and well-being of the community. The following SDGs, targets, and indicators are relevant:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
This SDG is addressed because the article discusses the violation of air pollution control regulations, which can lead to adverse health effects. The specific target under this SDG is Target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air pollution. The indicator mentioned in the article is the air quality index and levels of lead and manganese in the air, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
This SDG is connected to the issues discussed in the article because it focuses on creating sustainable and resilient cities. The specific target under this SDG is Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air quality. The indicator mentioned in the article is compliance with federal and state air pollution requirements, which can be used to measure progress towards this target.
SDG 13: Climate Action
This SDG is relevant because it addresses the need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The specific target under this SDG is Target 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning. While the article does not explicitly mention climate change, reducing emissions of lead and manganese can contribute to climate action. Therefore, the reduction in emissions can be considered as an indicator for this target.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: detroitnews.com
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