NOTICE OF VIOLATION

 

Via Certified Mail #: 7002 0510 0004 0398 5743

 

 

To:

Mr. Keith E. Busse, President and Registered Agent

 

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

 

6714 Pointe Inverness Way, Suite 200

 

Fort Wayne, IN 46804

 

Case No. 2003-15029-A

 

Based on an investigation on December 1, 2003, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has reason to believe that Steel Dynamics, Inc. (Respondent) has violated environmental permits.  The violations are based on the following:

 

1.                  Respondent owns and operates a steel beam 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 326 IAC 2-2 and condition D.1.12 of Permit 183-18426-00030, the Fluorides emissions from the EAFs Baghouse stack shall not exceed 2.09 pounds of Fluoride per hour based on a three (3) hour block average.

February 20, 2003, the source conducted a stack test to determine compliance with emission limitations.  A review of the stack test submitted to IDEM on April 15, 2003, indicates that the source averaged 11.29 pounds of Fluroide per hour, a violation of 326 IAC 2-2 and condition D.1.12 of Permit 183-18426-00030.

 

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 April 12, 2006

 

 

Matthew T. Klein

 

 

Assistant Commissioner

 

 

for Compliance & Enforcement

 

 

 

cc:

Whitley County Health Department

 

Office of Legal Counsel

 

Brenda A. Mathews, Office of Enforcement

 

Jarrod Fisher, Office of Air Quality

 

Office of Air Quality Public File

 

Enforcement File

 

http://www.in.gov/idem