The Ohio EPA has decided to fine Eramet Marietta for the company’s failure to pass an emission compliance test in November 2006.

In final findings, entered into the director’s journal on December 28, the agency was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $37,050. Of that, $29,640 is to be paid to the OEPA and the balance is to be paid to OEPA’s Clean Diesel School Bus Fund.

On November 8, 2006, Environmental Quality Management performed a particulate compliance test which showed emissions at 35 pounds per hour, which exceeded the regulatory standard of 27.2 pounds per hour allowable for that furnace. Eramet passed two subsequent compliance tests of the same furnace.

The company responded by saying the increased emissions noted in the findings were happening because water leaks from pressure rings had caused the furnace to operate erratically and inefficiently. The faulty components were replaced on November 13, 2006 - just five days after the failed emissions test.