ASARCO controversies

EPA fines Asarco over dust controls

Fine or penalty

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Asarco paid $33,000 in penalties after the company failed to comply with a plan to control windblown dust containing lead and other pollutants at its Hayden smelter. The penalty relates to the dust-control plan at the facility, according to the EPA announcement.

The EPA announced that Asarco paid $33,000 in penalties after failing to comply with a plan to control windblown dust containing lead and other pollutants at its Hayden smelter.

Large-scale environmental settlement

After the bankruptcy process, ASARCO reached a settlement reported at approximately $1.79 billion to address contamination and cleanup obligations across numerous sites.

Hayden smelter pollution findings

EPA testing near the Hayden smelter found unusually high concentrations of arsenic, lead, and copper. Federal authorities considered adding the area to the Superfund list.

Omaha pollution fine

ASARCO was fined for discharging lead and other pollutants into the Missouri River. The Omaha plant closed the following year.

Bunker Hill and Coeur d'Alene contamination litigation

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe sued ASARCO and other defendants under CERCLA over contamination affecting the Coeur d'Alene watershed and related lands.

Globe Plant natural-resource litigation

Colorado authorities brought an action concerning environmental damage associated with the Globe Plant. The site was later placed on the federal Superfund list.

Lead contamination associated with Omaha plant

The Omaha facility was identified as releasing substantial lead into surrounding air and soil, contributing to later closure, cleanup, and Superfund activity in East Omaha.