Schnitzer Steel to Implement Refrigerant Recovery Management Programs at 40 US Facilities

Strategic Insights -

Schnitzer Steel, a scrap metal recycling company based in Portland, Oregon, has reached a proposed settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at 40 of its facilities across the United States. The settlement requires the company to implement compliance measures worth over $1.7 million to prevent the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants and non-exempt substitutes from refrigerant-containing items during processing and disposal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Schnitzer Steel Inc. has agreed to settle alleged Clean Air Act violations at 40 scrap metal recycling facilities across the United States.
  • The settlement requires Schnitzer to pay a civil penalty of $1,550,000, implement compliance measures worth over $1,700,000, and complete an environmental mitigation project.
  • The compliance measures include installation of refrigerant recovery systems, screening procedures for scrap appliances and vehicles, and employee training on regulations designed to prevent the release of refrigerants.
  • The settlement also requires Schnitzer to destroy all R-12 refrigerant in scrapped appliances and automobiles received at its facilities.
  • The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court.
  • The settlement aims to protect stratospheric ozone and reduce the risks of climate change by ensuring companies like Schnitzer comply with the Clean Air Act when recycling appliances and motor vehicles containing harmful refrigerants.
  • Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim stated, "Many refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere."
  • Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield added, "This settlement will help protect our climate by ensuring that these chemicals are managed properly at 40 recycling facilities across the country."

Statistics:

  • 40: The number of Schnitzer Steel facilities that will implement Refrigerant Recovery Management Programs.
  • $1,555,000: The proposed civil penalty to be paid by Schnitzer Steel.
  • $1,700,000: The value of compliance measures to be implemented by Schnitzer Steel.
  • 10,000: The global warming potential of R-12 refrigerant in relation to carbon dioxide.
  • 30: The days allowed for public comment on the proposed consent decree.

Sources:

  • United States Department of Justice News
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) News
  • Justice.gov: Proposed Consent Decrees
  • EPA.gov: Clean Air Act Enforcement
  • EPA.gov: Ozone Protection Under Title VI of the Clean Air Act
  • EPA.gov: Climate Change