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EPA reaches agreement with CSN

Release Date: 7/13/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA114

CHICAGO (July 13, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Companhia Siderurgica Nacional LLC on alleged clean-air violations at the company's steel plant at 455 W. Industrial Dr., Terre Haute, Ind. EPA assessed a $15,793 penalty, and the company has agreed to a $34,273 environmental project.

"For its environmental project, CSN will buy a thermal imaging camera and six laptop computers for the Honey Creek Fire Department to help the department respond better to hazardous waste accidents," said Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that, during a March 2003 test, CSN emitted more hydrochloric acid from its steel pickle line than is allowed by federal regulations. Newly processed stainless steel is pickled, or bathed in hydrochloric acid, to remove its outer layer and improve its corrosion resistance.

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.