Attorney General Kwame Raoul has reached a settlement with A. Finkl & Sons Co. regarding air pollution violations at the company’s steel forging facility in Chicago’s Burnside community. The consent order resolves claims that the facility emitted excessive amounts of nitrogen oxides, which are regulated under clean air standards.
“I appreciate the cooperation of Finkl as the company works to resolve the alleged violations and ensure compliance with environmental laws and permit provisions,” Raoul said. “I am committed to protecting all Illinois communities from the health and environmental impacts of pollution and holding companies accountable for violations of our environmental laws.”
The steel forging facility, which uses melted recycled steel scrap to create products for customers, was found to have failed to properly operate and maintain equipment between October 17, 2021, and March 2022. This led to increased emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), a pollutant known to cause respiratory problems according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Under the terms of the consent order, Finkl will install, operate, and maintain a continuous emissions monitoring system on its baghouse exhaust. This system is expected to improve oversight of NOx emissions from the plant.
The legal action taken by Raoul followed a referral from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). “The Illinois EPA referred this case due to the excess emissions emitted from A. Finkl & Sons Co. operations,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “We appreciate the work of the Attorney General’s office to resolve this referral and ensure future compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.”
The Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement Division enforces civil environmental laws in Illinois and has previously recovered funds from polluters while requiring improvements in affected communities. Residents are encouraged by Raoul’s office to report any environmental justice concerns via email at ej@ilag.gov.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Nancy Tikalsky is handling this case within Raoul’s Environmental Bureau.