Sims Metal Reaches Settlement on Clean Air Violations at Johnston Site

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Sims Metal Management (SMM) New England Corp. has reached settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over alleged violation of the federal Clean Air Act at its Johnston, Rhode Island site. The company announced plans to come into compliance with the federal requirements by paying $250,000 in penalties.

The EPA had alleged that the company had gone ahead with construction of a new major source of volatile organic compound emissions, without obtaining necessary permits. The facility had failed to install required emissions controls as well. The shredder, which has not been in operation since early-April this year, was alleged of harmful air emissions, comprising of VOCs, particulate matter and toxic air contaminants.

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Dennis Deziel, regional administrator of the EPA’s Region 1 office noted that the settlement sends a strong message that all facilities are required to comply with the Act and permitting regulations. Janet Coit, Director, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) said that the collective efforts with the attorney general and the U.S. EPA will ensure that the company comes into compliance with the state regulations.