June 16: Location of air quality monitors for SunCoke plant up for discussion
Site of the proposed SunCoke plant. (Nick Graham/Middletown Journal)
MIDDLETOWN -- "A hearing will be held to discuss the possible location of air monitors required by an air pollution permit for the new $340 million SunCoke Energy coke plant to be built in Middletown. The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will hold the meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 25 in the Middletown City Council Chambers of the Middletown City Building, One Donham Plaza. As part of the permit’s conditions, SunCoke must pay for monitors to determine ambient air quality in the area of the facility," Jessica Heffner, Oxford Press.
May 4: SunCoke vote pits vice mayor against city, family
Councilman supports the facility, while the mother of his grandchildren leads a group that opposes it
Lisa Frye of Monroe and Middletown Vice Mayor Jim Armbruster
MIDDLETOWN -- "Jim Armbruster the grandfather and Jim Armbruster the Middletown City Councilman had to settle an inner-self battle. When it came time for City Council to vote on the proposed $340 million coke oven facility off Yankee Road, he received a letter from Lisa Frye, his ex-daughter-in-law, the mother of three of his grandchildren and the president of the SunCoke Watch Inc. opposition group, urging him to abstain from voting. She said Armbruster should be more 'concerned' about his grandchildren and 'their health and their future, every aspect of their lives.' If Armbruster supported the SunCoke project, which she says would harm her family and reduce the value of her property, 'What message is that sending to his grandchildren?,'" Rick McCrab, Middletown Journal. Published May 2.
Apr 8, 2009: EPA: SunCoke submits new permit application
 SunCoke oven design |
MIDDLETOWN -- "The Ohio EPA has received SunCoke Energy's newest air pollution control permit application for the proposed Middletown Coke facility. The new permit application is more stringent than the company's current one, but does not include the same requirement for emissions credits. The company is seeking the new permit "to eliminate any doubt" it can meet air quality requirements, said Ryan Osterholm, project manager for the $340 million facility," Jessica Heffner, Middletown Journal.
Mar 6, 2009: Dicks Creek cleanup to begin this summer
AK Steel Corp. representatives said work should be done by 2010
MIDDLETOWN -- "Pending permit approval, representatives from AK Steel Corp. said cleanup of two local waterways should begin this summer. The company intends work to be complete in 2010.
About 20 people, many of them environmental agency representatives, attended a meeting held Thursday, March 5, at the Middletown Public Library to inform the community about the work along Dicks Creek and Monroe Ditch.
The meeting was part of a 2006 consent between AK, the U.S. and Ohio environmental protection agencies, Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council to clean up the sites, which have been contaminated by polychlorinated biphenyls — a probable carcinogen," Jessica Heffner, Middletown Journal.Feb 23, 2009: AK Steel to hold public meeting on Dicks Creek
MIDDLETOWN -- "It is reported that AK Steel Corporation will conduct a meeting to update the community on the ongoing cleanup of Dicks Creek. The meeting will be held March 5th 2009 in the community room of the Middletown Public Library. Under an agreement reached between AK Steel and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council, it is removing PCB contaminated sediment and soil from affected areas of the creak and prevent PCBs from reaching the creek. The work began in 2007," Steel Guru. Published February 22.
Jan 29, 2009: City of Monroe files Clean Air Act lawsuit
MONROE -- "The City of Monroe, Ohio today filed suit against Middletown Coke Company, Inc. and its parent company, SunCoke Energy, Inc., for violations of the federal Clean Air Act in connection with the construction of a coke manufacturing plant adjacent to the AK Steel Middletown Works in Middletown. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and an injunction to halt construction of the coke plant until necessary permitting and pollution control requirements are met.Middletown Coke intends to construct a new plant to produce steel-making coke for AK Steel. The plant, coal and coke piles, and rail facilities would be constructed on undeveloped farmland approximately 1,200 feet from residences in Monroe," Main Street Monroe, published January 28. Jan 22, 2009: Ohio EPA: It's OK to start building $340M coke plant
Attorney for city of Monroe says it will try to block construction at Yankee Road site near its border
MIDDLETOWN -- "SunCoke Energy has the go-ahead to start construction on its $340 million coke oven facility in Middletown. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency informed SunCoke on Tuesday, Jan. 20, that the U.S. EPA had issued a memo stating it has no additional comments regarding the permit, said Ohio EPA spokeswoman Heather Lauer. The Ohio EPA's permit decision, specifically its application of air emission credits associated with the closing of an AK Steel Corp. sinter plant in June 2003, has been under review by the federal agency since the permit was issued Nov. 25. Until a decision was made, the Ohio EPA advised that SunCoke postpone construction, Lauer said," Jessica Heffner, Middletown Journal.
Jan 6, 2009: AK Steel reports Dicks Creek clean up continues
 Excavated area after backfilling with clean soil, final grading, seeding and straw. |
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Jan 5: Plan for coke plant near Ohio school puts focus on laws' limits
 Amanda Elementary |
Dec 10: Residents urged to read air quality report with caution
USA Today ranked air outside schools across the country, including those in Butler and Warren counties
MIDDLETOWN -- "Environmental, school and business leaders are urging parents to use caution when examining a USA Today report that ranks air quality outside schools across the country, including those in Butler and Warren counties... AK Steel spokesman Alan McCoy said the report is 'unnecessarily alarming.' McCoy said since the report uses 2005 data it is outdated and requires a 'healthy dose of skepticism and review.' Since 2005, AK Steel has invested $65 million on new air emission controls for furnaces at Middletown Works. 'We take our environmental responsibility very seriously,' he said. Evertz and AK Steel were listed as top contributors to pollution outside Amanda Elementary School, which was listed in the top one percentile of schools with poor air quality, according to the USA Today report," Meagan Engle, Middletown Journal.
Aug 25: West Carrollton man, 26, dies at AK Steel
MIDDLETOWN -- "A 26-year-old West Carrollton man died in an apparent industrial accident at AK Steel, the third death at the facility in less than three years. Mike Lewis of West Carrollton died at around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24 while changing a tire on a tractor-trailer, according to Middletown police. Lewis was an employee of RMB Enterprises, according to police. This is the second death involving an employee of RMB Enterprises, a Fostoria-based contractor. In 2007, a man working for RMB was killed at AK Steel when a tractor-trailer tire separated from the rim and exploded," Eric Schwartzberg, Dayton Daily News.
Jul 8: Planners getting ready for coke plant redo
MIDDLETOWN -- "Back to the future is one way to look at this week's Middletown Planning Commission meeting as it begins the concurrent process to amend the city's zoning code for a proposed $350 million cokemaking and electric generation plant... 'If the members of the planning commission studied the requests and if they have talked to Middletown people who have a stake in this, I just can't see how they could approve this,' said Frank Schiavone, whose home at 6978 Hamilton-Middletown Road, also is adjacent to the site, but within Monroe's borders. 'The planners have had a chance to reflect on this for a few months,' he said. 'But this would change the character of the city (if it's approved),'" Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
Jun 25: EPA seeks comments on AK Steel disposal well
 A statue of founder George M. Verity outside the AK Steel headquarters in Middletown. |
MIDDLETOWN -- AK named 'World-Class Steelmaker', Jessica Lander-Heffner, Middletown Journal.
Jun 10: Monroe schools join fight against coke plant site
MONROE -- "Monroe Local Schools is joining the fight in opposing the site of a proposed $340 million coke plant in Middletown.
The Board of Education voted unanimously, 5-0, Monday night, June 9, to approve a resolution declaring that the board does not support the city of Middletown's actions in rezoning land for a proposed cokemaking and heat recovery plant. SunCoke Energy of Knoxville, Tenn., wants to build, own and operate the plant on 157 acres off Ohio 4 in Middletown near the Monroe border. SunCoke and AK Steel Corp. signed a 20-year agreement to be the sole customer for the coke and electricity produced by the plant," Denise Wilson, Middletown
Journal.Jun 8: Zoning do-over in coke plant draws praise
Some critics said not enough time was spent on decision involving land for cokemaking plant
MIDDLETOWN -- "The city's decision to re-enact the entire rezoning process for the 157-acre tract of land targeted for a proposed $340 million cokemaking and electric generation plant apparently pleased some opponents who said not enough time was spent discussing and reviewing the issue... Frank Schiavone, of 6978 Hamilton-Middletown Road, whose property is adjacent to where the proposed plant will be located, said Friday, June 6, he was on top of the world for a number of reasons," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published June 7.
Jun 6: City to re-enact SunCoke zoning
Process will go back through planning commission, council rather than through courts after Garden Manor filed suit
MIDDLETOWN -- "At the request of SunCoke Energy Inc., the city of Middletown will go through the entire rezoning process, which also means proponents and opponents will again have the opportunity to make comments at public hearings. The city and SunCoke both say the rezoning of 157 acres between Ohio 4 and Yankee Road in the 2nd Ward was 'in accordance with all applicable laws,' but said it would be easier to re-enact the zoning request and address some of the alleged deficiencies rather than go through litigation, said Sara Mills, the city's assistant law director," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
Jun 3: First phase of Dicks Creek clean-up complete
 Erosion control matting being spread along the bank of Dicks Creek. |
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Dicks Creek update,
Ak Steel Middletown Works.Jun 2: $355M SunCoke proposal at issue
MIDDLETOWN -- "Economic development will be the focus of business at Tuesday's Middletown City Council meeting. Among the items to be considered by council will be an emergency ordinance to establish an enterprise zone tax abatement as well as other incentives provided by the State Urban Jobs Program for the Middletown Coke Co. Inc., the operating company for SunCoke Energy of Knoxville, Tenn. SunCoke is planning to build a $355 million heat recovery coke-making and electric generation plant," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
May 19: Garden Manor sues city over rezoning for coke plant
Retirement community claims Middletown failed to follow procedure in rezoning approval for site of proposed $340M coke plant
MIDDLETOWN -- "Garden Manor Retirement Village has filed a lawsuit against the city of Middletown, claiming City Council and the planning commission failed to follow proper procedure in approving the rezoning of 157 acres that would be the site of a new $340 million cokemaking and heat recovery plant.
The suit filed Tuesday, May 13, in Butler County Common Pleas Court seeks to restrain the city from further action related to the site," Kevin Aldridge, Middletown Journal. Published May 15. May 8: Economic impact deciding factor in rezoning vote
Employment prospects overcame objections from neighbors
MIDDLETOWN -- "Middletown City Council's decision to rezone 157 acres to industrial use to facilitate the construction of a proposed $340 million coke-making and electric generation plant was described by Councilwoman Anita Scott Jones as 'damned if you do and damned if you don't.' Just before midnight Tuesday, May 6, during a marathon meeting, the council voted 6-0 on an emergency ordinance to confirm a March planning commission decision to approve the rezoning... Many of the opponents, while not against the project, felt the proposed coke plant should be located on AK Steel Corp.'s property. Opponents cited environmental, health, traffic and property devaluation concerns," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
May 7: City Council votes unanimously to rezone for coke plant project
Marathon public meeting draws crowd of more than 200
 More than 157 acres in the 2nd Ward will be rezoned to make way for a proposed $340 million coke-making and electric generation plant. |
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May 6: Residents praying Middletown council demonstrates wisdom in controversial vote
Middletown City Council set to vote tonight on rezoning for proposed $340M plant
 Monroe resident and attorney Frank Schiavone said that a coke plant wound be "the lowest and worst use of that land." |
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MIDDLETOWN -- Attorney files lawsuit to stop land sale for coke plant Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
MIDDLETOWN -- Middletown neighbors fight SunCoke plant, Local 12.
May 5: Coke plant debate rages
Proponents and opponents rally support prior to May 6 meeting
MIDDLETOWN -- "Just days before Middletown City Council votes on the rezoning of 157 acres for a controversial $340 million coke plant, battle lines are being drawn by proponents and opponents of the proposed project... Meanwhile, opponents of the project – many of whom are Monroe homeowners living near the proposed site — also want people to contact Council members to express their concerns about how the plant might affect their health and property values. They are rallying support through their Web site, www.StayInsideTheFence.com, and they are organizing a prayer vigil at 8 p.m. Monday at Truth Tabernacle, 6879 Hamilton-Middletown Road," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal.
Published May 2.  Tom Sorrell lights a candle during the Worker's Memorial Day Tribute ceremony for every AK Steel employee who lost their life while working inside the steel mill. (Gary Stelzer) |
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Since 1903, 104 Middletown Works workers have been killed on the job at the steel mill
MIDDLETOWN -- "As the 104 names of the Middletown Works union members killed on the job since 1903 were read and a candle lit in honor of each one during a solemn ceremony, Paul Corrill closed his eyes to picture each deceased's loved ones. He envisioned the steelworker and his family. When one of the names — James Michael Corrill — was quietly called, the portrait looked familiar. Michael Corrill, whose father and three brothers worked in the Middletown steel mill, was killed in the coke plant Oct. 12, 1993," Rick McCrabb, Middletown Journal.
Apr 22: AK Steel first quarter profits up 60 percent
CINCINANTI -- "AK Steel Holding Corp. said Tuesday that its first-quarter profits beat Wall Street estimates, rising 60 percent from a year ago when the integrated steelmaker was in the final three months of a yearlong lockout at its main plant. The steel company reported net income of $101.1 million, or 90 cents a share, for the quarter ended March 31, compared with $62.7 million, or 56 cents a share, a year ago. Results from a year ago included a $15.1 million pretax, non-cash pension charge. Sales totaled $1.79 billion, compared with $1.72 billion a year ago," Terry Kinney, Houston Chronicle.
Apr 15: Pressure mounting on council to approve coke plant zoning change
MIDDLETOWN -- "Middletown City Council cannot consider confirming the city Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone 157 acres from residential to industrial until its May 6 meeting. However, the city has received requests from James Wainscott, president, CEO and chairman of AK Steel Corp., Michael J. Thomson, executive vice president and CEO of SunCoke Energy, and D. Scott Rich, president of Local Lodge 1943 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, that council confirm the commission's recommendation as an emergency measure so that it takes immediate effect upon passage," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published April 13.
Mar 31: Business, labor back proposal to build SunCoke plant
Middletown planners recommend rezoning for Monroe facility
 A statue of AK Steel founder George M. Verity stands outside the firm's corporate headquarters in Middletown. (Al Behrman/Associated Press) |
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MARIETTA -- AK CEO: Proposed coke plant key to future, Wainscott says proposed coke electricity operation will ensure viability of Middletown works, Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published March 28.
MARIETTA -- City obligated to consider the good of many, not just a few, Kevin Aldridge, Western Star. Published March 28.
Mar 27: Rezoning OK'd for coke plant
MIDDLETOWN -- "The first step toward the possible construction of a $340 million state-of-the-art coke-making and electric co-generation plant off Ohio 4 in Middletown's far South End was taken Wednesday night. In a special meeting Wednesday, March 26, more than 100 people packed the chamber to witness the Middletown Planning Commission unanimously voting to approve a city request to rezone 157 acres from low-density residential to industrial use," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Mar 25: Coal plant meeting set
Some Monroe residents fighting factory
MIDDLETOWN -- "A rezoning request that could pave the way for a controversial $300 million coke-making plant will come before a special meeting of the city's planning commission at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Knoxville, Tenn.-based SunCoke Energy has taken an option on a 157-acre site between Ohio 4 and Yankee Road near the Middletown-Monroe city line for the plant that would supply coke and steam-generated electricity to AK Steel's Middletown Works. Coke, or baked coal, is a key ingredient in steel-making," Mike Boyer, Cincinnati Enquirer. NEW YORK, NY -- Sunoco Board approves long-term agreement to supply coke and electrical power, Newsticker.
CINCINNATI -- AK Steel board OKs SunCoke contract, Business Courier of Cincinnati.
Mar 14: Ohio EPA: Permit for proposed coke oven plant could take months
SunCoke Energy applies for permit on land Middletown wants to rezone to industrial
MIDDLETOWN -- "A permit application for a proposed coke oven and a power regeneration plant could take as long as six months to approve by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Heather Lauer, an Ohio EPA spokeswoman, confirmed Thursday, March 13, that Knoxville, Tenn.-based SunCoke Energy submitted an application in February for a permit to install air pollution control equipment," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. MIDDLETOWN -- Property owners converge to opppose site of possible $300M coke plant, Middletown Planning Commission tables proposed rezoning of 157 acres off Ohio 4, Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published March 13, 2008.
Mar 12: Monroe opposes proposed coke plant site
Decision unanimous to oppose rezoning of property off Ohio 4 in Middletown near Monroe border. Public hearing set for tonight in Middletown.
MONROE -- "Opposition is queuing up against the rezoning of 157 acres off Ohio 4 to build a proposed $300 million state of the art coke oven plant, which is set for a public hearing at tonight's Middletown Planning Commission meeting. Monroe City Council unanimously approved a motion in opposition to the city of Middletown's proposed rezoning at its Tuesday, March 11, meeting 'due to the negative impact of the health, property, safety and welfare of the city citizens of the city of Monroe,'" Ed Richter, Oxford Press.MIDDLETOWN -- Ohio EPA: Proposed plant should cause no health issues, Jessica Lander-Heffner, Middletown Journal.
Mar 10: Neighbors fear effect on health, property
MIDDLETOWN -- "It could be a while before the burners of a proposed $300 million coke oven get fired up in Middletown, but preliminary talk of building such a facility is already producing some heat. Several neighbors of the 157 acres where the state-of-the-art cokemaking and heat recovery plant would be located say they plan to do whatever it takes to keep it from coming there. They worry that a new coke plant would devalue their property and could possibly pose a health threat," Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published March 9.
HAVERHILL -- Coke ovens bring noise, dust, growth to hamlet, SunCoke says its process in Scioto County town is environmentally friendly, Ed Richter, Middletown Journal. Published March 9.
Mar 7: State involved in coke plant talks
Potential $300M project would rival top developments across Ohio last year
AK Steel would agree to a long-term commitment to buy the coke and power the new plant would generate.
MIDDLETOWN -- "Butler County played a key role in helping Ohio to rank No. 1 in the nation last year in the number of new plants and corporate operations and expansions. And Middletown is hoping it can help keep the state at the top of the heap again this year. Ohio landed 399 new plants or expansions in 2007, according to Site Selection Magazine, with more than $547 million invested in manufacturing in Butler County alone. City officials are hoping a proposed $300 million cokemaking and heat recovery plant in Middletown can be added to that list, if AK Steel Corp. and SunCoke Energy Inc. reach an agreement," Kevin Aldridge, Oxford Press.
Mar 6: AK Steel says new coke plant would help meet its needs
Company pledges it won't idle its own cokemaking production
The "state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly" plant is targeted for 157 acres between Ohio 4 and the MADE Industrial Park, near Garden Manor Retirement Village and Amanda Elementary School.
MIDDLETOWN -- "The potential development of a new $300 million coke oven facility just off Ohio 4 shows AK Steel Corp.'s long-term commitment to Middletown, city officials say. News surfaced late Tuesday, March 4, of a potential partnership between AK Steel and Tennessee-based SunCoke Energy that could result in the building of a facility in Middletown that would manufacture metallurgical coke and regenerate steam and heat into electricity. The facility could produce about 50 to 100 jobs, according to Middletown Planning Director Martin Kohler," Kevin Aldridge, Middletown Journal.
Jan 8, 2008: AK Steel proves wise investment
Company finishes 2007 with a 174 percent increase in stock performance, earning accolades
MIDDLETOWN -- "There was a time when investors shied away from steel stocks, seeing the industry as cyclical and many of the companies as troubled. No more, apparently. CNNMoney.com has spotlighted shares of AK Steel Corp. (NYSE: AKS) as one of the 10 best-performing stocks in 2007. 'As demand for steel skyrocketed last year, AK Steel Holding turned in the second-best return to investors — a solid 174 percent increase in stock performance,' David Goldman, a CNNMoney.com writer, said in a piece posted on the site late last week," Thomas Gnau, Middletown Journal.
Jul 25: AK Steel's dream fulfilled
Profits top $100 a ton - a first in firm's history
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel Corp. on Tuesday posted a second-quarter operating profit of $109 a ton, the first time the 107-year-old steelmaker has ever achieved operating earnings of more than $100 a ton. 'Operating profits of $100 a ton has been a goal of this management team and others,' James L. Wainscott, AK Steel's chairman and president, told investors.' The milestone was part of record profits and revenues reported for the three months ended June 30 and the latest sign of the dramatic turn in fortunes at AK Steel over the last 3½ years since Wainscott was named acting CEO in a board-led management shake-up," Cincinnati Enquirer.
May 22: Analysts predict AK Steel is likely target of takeover
CINCINNATI -- "With several years of labor peace nearly assured, AK Steel is an attractive takeover target in an industry in which global giants keep gobbling up independent steelmakers, analysts say... A report on a Financial Times Web site that ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steelmaker, was looking at AK Steel sent shares rocketing 20 percent to record highs two weeks ago before investors realized, as analyst Charles Bradford put it, `There was nothing there,' " Terry Kinney, Associated Press.
Mar 26, 2007: EPA confirms toxins in aquifer
NEW MIAMI-- "Pollution from AK Steel Corp.'s former iron and coke production plant has contaminated an aquifer nearby, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Friday. But that aquifer does not supply drinking water to the city of Hamilton or Liberty and West Chester townships, representatives from the EPA said. The 252-acre site, now owned by Armco successor AK Steel, sits on either side of Augspurger Road to the east of Ohio 127 and is bounded on the south by the Great Miami River," Dave Greber, Middletown Journal.
Mar 23, 2007: Ray Agee  MIDDLETOWN -- "A lifelong resident of Middletown, Ohio and Des Moines, Iowa passed away at home on March 20, 2007 after a short struggle with cancer. He was a very active member of the activist group Sierra Club and took a lead role in the AK Come Clean campaign in Middletown, Ohio. The campaign was focused on the clean-up of homes, land and waterways surrounding AK Steel," Middletown Journal. |
Jan 17, 2007: Dicks Creek public meeting
MIDDLETOWN-- "To our neighbors and community: You are invited to attend a public meeting to learn more about the Dicks Creek cleanup. Hosted by AK Steel, this meeting will feature a short presentation about the cleanup, followed by a question and answer session," Alan McCoy, Vice President, Government and Public Relations, AK Steel Corporation. 400 KB pdf.
- Fact sheet on the Dicks Creek cleanup, 610 KB pdf.
Jan 3, 2007: EPA to seek comment on AK Steel permits
MIDDLETOWN -- "The Ohio EPA will seek public comment Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in city council chambers on AK Steel's application to renew permits for two underground hazardous-waste injection wells at its Middletown plant. The two 3,200-foot deep wells hold spent pickle liquor, containing hydrochloric acid, that's used in removing scale for steel. The renewal permit sets new terms for the company to use high pressure to inject the used fluid into the half-mile-deep Eau Claire sandstone formation," Mike Boyer, Cincinnati Enquirer .
Dec 30, 2006: AK's waste storage debated
MIDDLETOWN -- "It's not well known that AK Steel disposes of gallons of hazardous waste from Middletown Works in two wells located more than a half mile underground.
But the practice is safe, according to company officials and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. A public hearing has been scheduled to discuss details in the renewal of two permits for AK Steel Corp. to dispose of spent pickle liquor — a class I hazardous material — into two natural underground wells," Dave Greber, Middletown Journal.Nov 8, 2006: AK Steel Environmental Consent Decree
Map of the Dicks Creek study area in Middletown
MIDDLETOWN -- "Known formally as a Consent Decree, this agreement outlines specific actions AK Steel will take to address PCB issues in Dicks Creek, which is located south of Oxford State Road and flows into the Great Miami River. AK Steel will also investigate potential on-site contamination at the steel plant," AK Steel Middletown Works.
Interim Measures for Dicks Creek Study Area
MORE ON AK STEEL
Oct 26, 2006: AK Steel to update residents on Dicks Creek status
Company will begin taking inquiries about the $13M cleanup of waterway
MIDDLETOWN -- "In 2003, reports showed dangerously high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls — or PCBs, a known carcinogen — in Dicks Creek near Oxford State and Yankee roads and behind Amanda Elementary School. AK Steel says it has no operations that involve PCBs. According to a 2006 consent agreement, the company said it will remove contaminated sediment and soil from affected areas of the creek," Dave Greber, Middletown Journal.Jul 18, 2006: Soot still falls by AK Steel
Pollution controls leave neighbors unimpressed
 Paul Webb lives a few block from AK Steel. |
Apr 20, 2006: AK completes next phase of hot end air emissions project
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel has taken another step in its $65 million air pollution-control investment into the Middletown Works’ hot end... 'Completion of this complex and costly project is demonstrable evidence of AK Steel’s commitment to Middletown’s hot end operations, the environment and the Middletown community,' James Wainscott, AK chairman, president and chief executive, said in the statement," Thomas Gnau, Middletown Journal.
Apr 14, 2006: AK Steel seeks quicker pace for talks; OSHA still investigating explosion
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel has proposed accelerating negotiations with the union representing 2,700 locked-out workers after the sides met just 12 times in the first six weeks of the lockout at the company's biggest mill. Meanwhile, Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators likely will spend several more days interviewing witnesses to Sunday night's explosions that injured three workers at AK Steel's plant. OSHA officials have had difficulty setting up interviews with some witnesses, said spokesman Dick Gilgrist," Cincinnati Enquirer.
Apr 10, 2006: Explosion strikes AK Steel
Injuries reported; blast heard for miles
MIDDLETOWN
-- "Three explosions late Sunday night at AK Steel shook homes and
buildings for miles, sent a mushroom cloud 150 feet into the air and injured
three employees. Pieces of red-hot slag ignited 15 to 20 small fires,
damaging the roof of a building, two trailers, a dumpster and a pickup
truck, the fire chief said. "All I saw was this huge ball at first,' said
union employee Glenn Reliford. 'I’ve worked here 16 years and this
was 10 times louder than anything I’ve heard here. It was deafening,'"
Janice Morse and Denise Smith Amos, Cincinnati Enquirer.MIDDLETOWN -- Blast furnace explosion reported at AK Steel plant, Lance Barry, WCPO.
Apr 9, 2006: Waters less turbulent for Dicks Creek
Creek flows behind school, homes in Middletown AK settles lawsuit with Ohio, U.S. EPAs to clean up polluted area
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel also has endured battles — in and out of court — over air pollution. Ohio Citizen Action, the state’s largest environmental watchdog group, carried out a three-year campaign and produced 30,000 member letters from residents across Southwest Ohio urging AK to cut back its air pollution. The group chose to focus on clean air because the lawsuit addressed water issues, said Rachael Belz, the group’s associate director," Meghan Crosby, Middletown Journal.
Apr 4, 2006: Settlement with AK Steel will require cleanup and investigation of contamination of Middletown plant
WASHINGTON, DC -- "The United States, the state of Ohio, and two citizen groups have reached a settlement with AK Steel Corporation resolving claims that discharges from AK Steel's Middletown, Ohio steel plant pose a threat to human health and the environment, and violated federal and state environmental statutes and regulations. Under the settlement, AK Steel commits to clean up PCB- contaminated sediments from two streams that are tributaries to the Great Miami River and to remove contaminated soils from adjacent floodplain areas," press release, U. S. Department of Justice.
Mar 4, 2006: Buyout report changes outlook
MIDDLETOWN -- "Rival U.S. Steel Corp. is reportedly interested in acquiring AK Steel, a move that could complicate efforts to resolve the four-day lockout of 2,700 hourly employees at the Middletown Works. Neither company would comment on a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report Friday that U.S. Steel directors were told on Tuesday - the same day AK locked out members of Armco Employees Independent Federation - that a preliminary purchase price had been given to AK officials. The amount of the cash and stock offer wasn't disclosed. The news triggered a 23 percent jump in AK Steel's stock Friday. The stock, which has risen about 80 percent since June in the wake of widespread industry takeover speculation, closed Friday at $13.99, up $2.65. U.S. Steel's shares closed at $57.98, up 38 cents," Mike Boyer, Cincinnati Enquirer.
Jun 24, 2005: AK Steel particle pollution cuts: 90%, maybe 99%
CINCINNATI -- "AK Steel must cut particle emissions by May 2006 to meet the new federal Maximum Achievable Control Technology standard. U.S. EPA officials estimate that this will reduce particle pollution by 90%. Officials at the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services estimate that AK Steel may be able to reduce particle pollution by up to 99% after all controls are installed and running at highest efficiency," Rachael Belz, Associate Director, Ohio Citizen Action.
Jun 13, 2005: AK Steel update: Company reports it's ahead of schedule on second round of improvements
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel reported to the Department of Environmental Services and the Ohio EPA that it is ahead of schedule, with 50% of the construction on new pollution controls at the Basic Oxygen Furnaces in Middletown. In April 2005, AK announced the completion of upgrades to the Blast Furnace in Middletown. Both of these furnace upgrades will account for between 90-99% reduction of particulates released. These improvements need to be completed by May, 2006 and will complement the improvements they finalized on the Blast Furnace this past April," Rachael Belz, Ohio Citizen Action.
Apr 28, 2005: Photos of AK Steel Middletown modernization
The AK Steel blast furnace cast house where molten iron is drained from the furnace. The upper left is the tap hole, one of two on the furnace, where the iron flows out of the furnace into a runner. The hood assembly just above the molten iron is part of the Clean Air Act standards Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) equipment, and an angled section of round ductwork that moves the dust to the baghouse. In the center is another piece of the MACT equipment, a hood and duct work over the area where the iron is directed into hot metal rail cars below the floor.
The baghouse, where large fans pull the dust into the white bags (Photos by AK Steel)
Apr 27, 2005: AK Steel completes Phase One of Middletown Works environmental project ahead of schedule
MIDDLETOWN -- "AK Steel said today that installation of a new emission control system on its Middletown blast furnace has been completed nearly one month ahead of schedule. The blast furnace project is the first phase of a $66 million capital expenditure by AK Steel to install additional air emission controls at its Middletown Works in order to meet the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards of the federal Clean Air Act. AK Steel said that the new system will capture approximately 90% of the fugitive air emissions at the blast furnace cast house, or about 300 tons of non-hazardous dust per year," release, AK Steel, April 26, 2005, 24 KB pdf.MIDDLETOWN -- AK installing pollution control; Steelmaker: First phase complete, Middletown Journal.
Mar 31, 2005: Activists impressed by AK Steel action
Neighbors say company fixing pollution problem
MIDDLETOWN -- "'I think they’re actually really trying to cut it down,' [neighbor Ray] Agee said. Rachael Belz, associate director of Ohio Citizen Action, agrees. 'This leadership has responded obviously better than any recent leadership at AK Steel,' Belz said. . . .On May 22, a year ahead of a federal deadline, AK will install new controls on its Middletown blast furnace, said Alan McCoy, AK vice president, government and public relations. In May 2006, nearer the MACT deadline, new controls will be installed on the Middletown basic oxygen furnace, McCoy said. AK will spend $66 million for controls on both furnaces, McCoy said. As part of the settlement, AK agreed to a series of programs that cut its civil penalties to $266,000. AK also agreed to extend a line of trees and other plants along company property to help keep dirt, dust and noise from dispersing. Also to be completed by mid-summer: $1 million of work on the plant’s coke battery bag house, which collects emissions from that part of that plant, McCoy said. Also, a scrubber in the coke plant byproducts area has been replaced, he said. 'It's our intention to comply with those rules and regulations and to be a good neighbor,'" Thomas Gnau, Middletown Journal.
Mar 30, 2005: Watchdog group back in area seeking support from local residents
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Sarah Grutza |
Jan 31, 2005: AK Steel gets rare praise from environmental group
MIDDLETOWN
-- "AK Steel, which has a manufacturing facility in Mansfield, doesn't get
many kudos from the Sierra Club. But even the environmental group, which
has dogged the steelmaker over air and water pollution issues, likes what
it sees in AK's recent moves to improve its relationship with the community.
'It appears the company has put in place responsive leadership, and the
government is working with the community to hold AK responsible to their
promises,' said Sierra Club spokeswoman Susan Knight. Ray Agee of Oneida,
a former AK employee and one of its frequent critics, said new chairman
James Wainscott has made a difference. 'There's a big change in the attitude
of management,' he said. 'When Mr. Wainscott took over, it was a completely
different story. I really think he's honestly interested in cleaning it
up,'" Mansfield News Journal.Jan 10, 2005: Local steel stocks forged big gains, but 2005 outlook isn't as bright
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| Wire bundles at a steel factory in Zhangjiagang near the mouth of the Yangzi River. In 1980, Zhangjiagang was a fishing village with 10,000 people. Today, 800,000 people live there. |
Older news
2004
2003: Jan - Jun, Jul - Dec
2002
2001
As of Jul 12, 2004. . .
6,219 neighbors have sent handwritten letters and petitions urging AK Steel CEO James Wainscott to stop PCBs from leaking into Dick's Creek and clean up past contamination.
3,748 neighbors have sent handwritten letters and petitions urging AK Steel CEO James Wainscott to build a fence immediately around Dick's Creek to keep kids safe.
4,967 neighbors have sent handwritten letters and petitions pressing Middletown's Mayor and City Manager to get a safety fence built around Dick's Creek immediately.
24,988 neighbors have sent handwritten letters and petitions urging AK Steel executives and board to cut the pollution pouring out of the Middletown plant