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EPA issues order to WCJ to comply with clean-air rules

Release Date: 06/21/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA104

CHICAGO (June 21, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has issued an administrative order to WCJ Inc., also known as E & J Metal Co., that provides that the company not operate a sweat furnace at its secondary aluminum production operation at 200 24th Ave., Rock Island, Ill., unless it complies with EPA regulations.

If WCJ sells the furnace, it must notify EPA before the sale is closed.

The order resolves EPA allegations that WCJ failed to comply with federal notification, planning and recordkeeping requirements for the sweat furnace. Proper operation of the sweat furnace and its afterburner will limit the release of hazardous dioxins and furans. The alleged violations were discovered during an EPA inspection in June 2005.

There is evidence that dioxins may cause liver damage and probably cause cancer in humans, while furans may also cause cancer.