Schnitzer Steel Paid $4.1 Million in Settlement of Environmental Violation

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Schnitzer Steel agreed to pay $4.1 million in settlement of allegations that the company’s metal shredding facility violated the state’s environmental laws by releasing toxic emissions over the West Oakland neighbourhood around it.

The settlement was announced by the prosecution team comprising of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, the state Attorney General’s Office and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The year-long investigation had arrived at the conclusion that the sorting and shredding plant released hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium and zinc into the surrounding air.

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In accordance with the settlement, the company was ordered to stop accepting, treating, and storing hazardous waste that is generated offsite. It has to update its metal shredding and recycling procedures so as to ensure protection of health of Oakland residents and the environment. The company must install air pollution control equipment and maintain enclosures over its metal shredding operations.

Out of the $4.1 million settlement, $1.55 million must be paid in civil penalties, $2.1 million towards supplemental environment projects that benefit communities and the remaining $450,000 in reimbursement of prosecution’s investigative and enforcement costs.