A $274,000 fine has been imposed on Oakland-based AB&I, a McWane Inc. company, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Clean Air Act breaches at its iron foundry. The Oakland factory was shut down in late 2022 as a result of the severe consequences for these infractions, which may have been a relief to some residents who had been subjected to the foundry’s pollutants for years.
In December 2019, smoke was seen escaping from an asphalt coating line at AB&I, which is a blatant sign of equipment failure, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agency inspected the facility and discovered that there was no efficient inward draw into the control system to filter the hazardous emissions, such as smells of chemical glue. According to EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman, “EPA will continue to pursue and fine facilities that do not comply with federal clean air laws. Excess and untested air emissions from facilities like this have caused harm to our East Bay communities.”
One year-long delay in the ongoing monitoring of so-called baghouse leak detection events is part of AB&I’s environmental non-compliance history. These occurrences indicate possible particle matter escapes, which can be harmful to human health if inhaled. The facility’s incorrectly installed monitors did not comply with regulations. They caused protracted, unreported baghouse emissions since they failed to set off alarms as intended.
Other problems at the foundry were also brought to light by EPA findings. Failures to pass performance tests, like the two that occurred in December 2018 and January 2019, resulted in higher than permitted amounts of particulate matter, which are dangerous particles that can enter the bloodstream or even enter the lungs while in the air. In October 2019, the same foundry also blatantly violated its operating permit by neglecting to keep an eye on the emissions and conditions of a metal melting cupola furnace. Air quality is significantly impacted by tiny particles, which pose a health risk and cause haze or reduced visibility.
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