NOTICE OF VIOLATION

 

Via Certified Mail #: 7000 0510 0004 0398 7495

 

 

To:

Mr. Keith Busse, President and Registered Agent

 

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

 

6714 Pointe Inverness Way, Suite 200

 

Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804

 

Case No. 2003-12992-A

 

Based on an investigation on April 15, 2003, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has reason to believe that Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Respondent) has violated an environmental permit.  The violations are based on the following:

 

1.                  Respondent owns and operates a steel mini mill with ID number 183-00030 located at 2601 County Road 700 East in Columbia City, Whitley County, Indiana (the “Site”).

 

A.                 Pursuant to condition D.1.11(b), the lead (Pb) content from the EAF baghouse dust shall not exceed five-tenths percent (0.5%) by weight.

On April 15, 2003, an inspection was conducted to determine compliance with Pb content from the EAF baghouse.  A review of the results indicate that the source averaged 2.6% Pb by weight, a violation of condition D.1.11(b).

 

In accordance with IC 13-30-3-3, the Commissioner herein provides notice that a violation may exist and offers an opportunity to enter into an Agreed Order providing for the action required to correct the violation and for the payment of a civil penalty.  The Commissioner is not required to extend this offer for more than sixty (60) days.

 

As provided in IC 13-30-3-3, an alleged violator may enter into an Agreed Order without admitting that the violation occurred.  IDEM encourages settlement by Agreed Order, thereby resulting in quicker correction of the environmental violation and avoidance of extensive litigation.  Timely settlement by Agreed Order may result in a reduced civil penalty.  Also, settlement discussions will allow the opportunity to present any mitigating factors that may be relevant to the violation.

 

If an Agreed Order is not entered into within sixty (60) days of receipt of this Notice of Violation, the Commissioner may issue a Notice and Order under IC 13-30-3-4 containing the actions that must be taken to correct the violation and requiring the payment of an appropriate civil penalty.  Pursuant to IC 13-30-4-1, the Commissioner may assess penalties of up to $25,000 per day for each violation.

 

To discuss this matter further, please contact Brenda Mathews at (317) 232-8408 within fifteen (15) days after receipt of this Notice to request a conference.  If settlement is reached, an Agreed Order will be prepared and sent for review and signature.

 

 

 

For the Commissioner:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

__________

Signed on March 24, 2006

 

 

Matthew T. Klein

 

 

Assistant Commissioner

 

 

of Compliance and Enforcement

 

 

 

cc:

Whitley County Health Department

 

 

Office of Legal Counsel

 

 

Brenda Mathews, Office of Enforcement

 

 

Richard Sekula, Office of Air Quality

 

 

Office of Air Quality Public File

 

 

Enforcement File

 

 

http://www.in.gov/idem