The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding Oakland-based AB&I, a McWane Inc. company, to account for Clean Air Act violations at its iron foundry, culminating in a firm $274,000 fine. The repercussions for these violations have been significant, leading to the shutdown of the Oakland facility in late 2022, an outcome that may be a relief to some in the community who have been exposed to the foundry's emissions for years.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, smoke was visible escaping an asphalt coating line at AB&I in December 2019, a clear indicator of malfunctioning equipment. Upon inspection, the agency found no effective inward draw into the control system to filter the harmful emissions, such as chemical resin odors emanating from the facility. “Excess and untested air emissions from facilities like this have caused harm to our East Bay communities,” remarked Martha Guzman, EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, “EPA will continue to pursue and fine facilities that do not comply with federal clean air laws.”
AB&I's record of environmental non-compliance includes a year-long lapse in the continuous monitoring of so-called baghouse leak detection events. These events signify potential escapes of particulate matter, which, if inhaled, can be detrimental to human health. Incorrect monitors installed at the facility failed to meet compliance. They did not trigger alarms as they were supposed to, leading to prolonged, undetected baghouse emissions.
Further, EPA findings highlighted additional issues at the foundry. Performance test failures, such as two instances in December 2018 and January 2019, produced higher than acceptable levels of particulate matter, substances that pose a significant risk when airborne and can penetrate the lungs or even enter the bloodstream. The same foundry also failed to maintain continuous monitoring of emissions and operating conditions of a metal melting cupola furnace in October 2019, a clear violation of its operating permit. Tiny particles are a health hazard and contribute to visibility reduction or haze, affecting air quality considerably.
