UNITED STATES AND THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY REACH AGREEMENT WITH AK STEEL CORPORATION TO RESOLVE CLEAN AIR ACT VIOLATIONS
WASHINGTON ? The United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have reached a settlement with the AK Steel Corporation (AK Steel) in Ashland, Ky., resolving alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, AK Steel?s title V permit, and the Kentucky State Implementation Plan, announced the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Under the terms of settlement, AK Steel will pay a civil penalty of $1.65 million, of which $25,000 will be paid to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, for the alleged violations that occurred at AK Steel?s former coke production facility in Ashland. AK Steel shut down the coke plant on June 21, 2011. Coke is used as a carbon source and as a fuel to heat and melt iron ore at steel making facilities.
Although AK Steel closed the plant involved in this enforcement action, AK Steel is currently operating the Ashland West Works facility a few miles away from the former coke plant. Under the agreement, AK Steel has agreed to spend at least $2 million on state projects to reduce particulate matter emissions at the Ashland West Works facility.
?This settlement holds AK Steel accountable for years of violations at its now closed coke plant in Ashland,? said Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department?s Environment and Natural Resources Division. ?As a result of this agreeme