Severstal steel plant in the USA receives a new air emission permit

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has issued a new emission permit for the Dearborn plant of the Russian steel company Severstal. The new permit will more accurately reflect the plant's emission capabilities set by the law.

Severstal was granted an air pollution permit in 2007 for a blast furnace project that increased production. Monitoring of the plant contamination showed that it was within the federal safety level. According to the government agency, the permit will not allow Severstal to increase emissions of harmful substances more than it already does.

Residents who live near the smelter believe that its current emission levels pose a threat to their health. Hundreds of local residents took part in the forum and protests at the southern end of Dearborn along with government officials.

Severstal claims that the new permit does not allow for the increase in pollution that
thrown away by the plant for many years, but does not indicate violations. Since 2010, Severstal has received 38 notifications of violations and has sought to work with the federal authorities to arrive at an optimal solution.

Vince Hellving, Head of Air Quality, said that “Past infringement cases are separate from the permitting process. Facility emissions do not violate federal air quality standards despite exceeding 2006 permit limits and issuing permits under new 2014 limits. ". He added that the permit concerns tomorrow and, finally, defines a clear framework for one of the largest industrial enterprises in the state.