The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an administrative order on consent to Sims ARG Inc. The company, which specializes in scrap metal shredding and recycling, allegedly failed to obtain the required permit under the federal Clean Air Act and the Maryland State Air Permitting Program. According to the EPA, the permit is necessary to limit emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are emitted during metal shredding operations at rates up to 200 pounds per hour.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz said, “For far too long, metal shredding and recycling facilities have polluted the air, especially in underserved communities in urban areas. This action demonstrates that EPA will hold facilities accountable when they fail to take the actions necessary to meet health-based air quality standards.”
EPA in the news
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Manufacturers violating the Clean Air Act
3 Louisiana facilities pay nearly $1.5M in penalties for Clean Air Act violations
“Many communities in Southern Louisiana live with a daily burden of pollution that would be unimaginable in other areas."
Roquette fined $207K for violating the Clean Air Act’s chemical risk prevention provisions
Roquette, which stores over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, did not comply with regulations that are designed to protect neighboring communities from potential accidental releases.
Intalco Aluminum fined $5.25 million for releasing hazardous pollutants into the air
The company failed to maintain and operate air pollution control systems at various times from 2017 to 2020.