Alabama pipemaker McWane agrees to pay $4M in penalties, $9M in cleanup costs under EPA deal

Alabana pipemaker McWane in $13M pact with EPA

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Cast iron pipe manufacturer McWane Inc. has agreed to pay $4 million in civil penalties and spend $9.1 million to protect communities near its plants in 14 states in a settlement with federal environmental regulators.

The settlement with McWane resolves more than 400 violations of air and water quality standards at 28 plants dating back a decade, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement. It said McWane, based in Birmingham, already has spent more than $7.6 million on corrective measures.

Cynthia Giles, an assistant EPA administrator for enforcement, said the company “will go beyond compliance and take action to protect communities that are at the greatest risk for air and water pollution.” She said children and pregnant women were among those who will benefit most from an end to harmful pollution at plant sites.

The proposed settlement, subject to a 30-day period of public comment, was filed Wednesday in federal court in Birmingham.

The family owned company previously paid more than $25 million in criminal fines and penalties for environmental violations.

McWane President Ruffner Page Jr. said the settlement is “the beginning of the final chapter” in McWane’s effort to be in full compliance at all times. The company, which is privately held, already has spent more than $300 million on environmental and safety projects over the past several years, Page said.

The settlement involves plants in Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

The $4 million civil penalty will be divided among Alabama, Iowa and the federal government. The environmental projects are to reduce mercury emissions in Provo, Utah, and Tyler, Texas, and to address air quality at plants in Bedford, Ind., Anniston, Ala., and Coshocton, Ohio. The projects also deal with storm water contamination at numerous locations.