TONAWANDA, NY (WKBW) -- The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have sent a clear message to Tonawanda Coke.
Over the past two months, the EPA and NYSDEC have taken a series of enforcement actions that order the company to maintain and operate its coke manufacturing facility in a manner that no longer violates federal and state environmental laws.
In an effort to keep the Tonawanda community fully informed, the EPA is sharing information about its ongoing multi-faceted investigation of the Tonawanda Coke facility.
Tonawanda Coke has violated the Clean Air Act by polluting the air with uncontrolled releases of ammonia and benzene, failing to conduct required annual maintenance inspections of emission controls and proper maintenance and operations, and failing to complete multiple required reports.
The EPA is also insisting that Tonawanda Coke take immediate steps to meet the requirements of the NY State air pollution plan. The company is accused of improperly handling its coal tar sludge, which is a hazardous waste, and also of allowing pipes and storage tanks to significantly degrade and leak, resulting in illegal discharges of polluted waste water through storm sewers that lead to the Niagara River.
Eyewitness News reporter Patrick Taney is on the story and will have much more tonight starting at 5 p.m.
