Environmental Enforcement Campaign

The AK Steel Campaign Update

AK Steel has declared their intent to settle the environmental lawsuit for air, water and hazardous waste against them. This suit was filed in June 2000 and Sierra Club intervened in the suit in 2001. Currently Sierra Club is negotiating with the Department of Justice, U.S.EPA, Ohio EPA and AK Steel on this case.

Sierra Club and local residents are also working with Ohio EPA and Hamilton County Environmental Services to find ways to improve the citizen complaint process, resolve ongoing air issues, concerns about the air settlement agreement which Ohio EPA and AK Steel entered into in early 2004. Hamilton County Environmental Services (HC DES) and Ohio EPA have agreed to locate an air toxics monitor in the neighborhood near the plant and restart a citizen air sampling program. Ohio EPA and HC DES are also following up on the air settlement with AK Steel.

Sierra Club, nearby residents have also met with CEO Jim Wainscott regarding the ongoing air pollution, emissions from the coke oven and inequities in the air compensation program. Residents showed Jim Wainscott video footage of emissions from the coke plant and basic oxygen furnace. Wainscott promised to look into the issues raised. A follow up meeting is scheduled in Sept 2004