Aluminum Recycling Facility Pleaded Guilty to Hazardous Smoke Emissions

The facility failed to install necessary devices to prevent the pollution.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Hydro Extrusion USA has pleaded guilty to violating the federal Clean Air Act at its aluminum processing facility in The Dalles.

According to case documents filed in August last year by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in U.S. District Court in Portland, the facility released hazardous smoke over the one-year period from July 2018 through June 2019. The hazardous smoke emitted during melting of materials caused danger to employees and the nearby community, court documents said.

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The facility failed to install necessary devices to prevent the pollution. As per permit, the facility is allowed to burn only ‘clean charge’ materials. By using coated scrap material, the facility saved nearly $470,000.

Scot Adair, special agent of the Environmental Protection Agency’s criminal investigation program in Oregon noted that the company knowingly and unlawfully violated environmental regulations. As a result, it exposed their workers and the local community to hazardous air pollutant.

Even after being notified about the emission of hazardous smoke by EPA inspectors and officials from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the company continued melting the coated material.

Meantime, Hydro Extrusion USA has agreed to pay about $550,000 prior to sentencing, which is scheduled for 24^th April, 2023.

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