Groups file pollution suit against Alcoa in Texas
Date: 27-Dec-01
Country: USA
The suit, filed in federal district court in Austin, Texas, alleges that Alcoa reconstructed boilers that power the smelter in the mid-1980s but did not install modern equipment to reduce air pollution as required under the Clean Air Act.
A spokesman for the smelter, located about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Austin, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Alcoa has said previously that the work on the boilers did not amount to a "major modification" and that therefore it was not required to install new pollution controls.
The suit, filed by Environmental Defense, Public Citizen and Neighbors for Neighbors alleges that the work resulted in a significant increase in emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and solid particles.
The three groups are asking the court to fine Alcoa $27,500 per day and order the company to install modern equipment to reduce pollution if their allegations are upheld.