AK Steel Holding controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2015
Ohio River pollution criticism
Reports about contamination in the Ohio River attributed a substantial share of chemical discharges to AK Steel based on EPA Toxics Release Inventory data. The issue intensified public scrutiny of the company’s environmental performance.
2010
Pollution rankings draw criticism
Mother Jones ranked AK Steel first in its 2010 list of major polluters, citing reported releases of toxic chemicals into Ohio waterways. The company’s environmental record was also examined by pollution researchers using emissions data.
2006
Middletown PCB contamination settlement
AK Steel reached a settlement concerning PCB contamination in Middletown, Ohio. The associated cleanup work was estimated at approximately $12 million to $13 million.
2006
Middletown Works labor lockout
A contract dispute led AK Steel to lock out approximately 2,700 Middletown workers. The year-long conflict ended with a settlement, contract ratification, and payments addressing profit sharing, employee assistance, and claims.
2000
Butler Works environmental emergency order
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency order concerning alleged releases of nitrate and nitrite compounds and inadequate handling of hexavalent chromium at Butler Works in Pennsylvania. The matter was settled in 2004, with AK Steel agreeing to pay $1.2 million.
1996
Worker-safety scrutiny
AK Steel faced OSHA scrutiny and fines amid reports of ten worker fatalities at its plants over a four-year period. Safety performance remained a recurring criticism during the company’s expansion and restructuring period.