The decree was signed by all three parties and submitted to a Jefferson County circuit court for approval today. As part of the terms, Bluestone will pay a $925,000 penalty to the Jefferson County Department of Health — the largest fine issued in the agency’s 105-year history. These measures follow years of citations from the Jefferson County Department of Health for serious violations of Bluestone’s permit — including hazardous emissions from leaking coke ovens at the plant. In 2019 and 2020, ambient air samples GASP and SELC collected around the Bluestone Coke plant showed elevated levels of benzene and naphthalene, two toxic air pollutants associated with coking. Additionally, Bluestone would have to hire an independent auditor to ensure bimonthly compliance at the plant for two years.

Source: The Star December 09, 2022 19:04 UTC