Diecaster Hit with HAP Charges

Nov. 19, 2005
EPA cites Allcast secondary aluminum operation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 last week cited Wisconsin diecaster Allcast Inc. for alleged violations of federal hazardous air pollutant emission standards at its secondary aluminum plant in Allenton, WI.

Allcast Inc. is a custom aluminum diecaster. It operates three furnaces (1,000, 3,000, and 4,500 lb capacities) and casts alloys 380, 384, 413, 360 for two diecasting machines and several diecasting cells.

EPA alleges that between January 2002 and September 2004 Allcast failed to do performance testing on one furnaces used to melt coated aluminum, and that it failed to comply with notification and recordkeeping requirements.

The agency states that these preliminary findings of violations may lead to a compliance order, an administrative penalty, or prosecution. “Allcast has 30 days from its receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations,” states EPA.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment. We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act," said regional administrator Thomas V. Skinner.