CSN pays fine for clean air violation

CSN pays fine for clean air violation

The U.S. subsidiary of the largest steel producer in South America has reached an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency over alleged clean air violations. The EPA has ordered Comphanhia Siderurgica Nacional to pay over $50’000 in fines and environmental equipment. The order stems from allegations that CSN violated federal standards for acid emissions at CSN’s steel pickling facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. According to the EPA, the plant’s measured acid emissions were 7.08 parts per million on March 6, 2003. Federal law prohibits hydrochloric acid.levels in excess of 6 parts per million. CSN did not admit to any wrongdoing in the agreement but agreed to nearly $16’000 in fines and over $34’000 on environmental equipment. CSN went on to add that it has not any further alleged violation before or since the cited incident. Hydrochloric acid is involved in the process of making stainless steel. The steel is pickled, or bathed, in the acid to improve its resistance to corrosion. In high concentrations, HCL destroys human cells, particularly skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. If inhaled, it can result in ulcers to the respiratory tract.