From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — The Jefferson County Department of Health has filed a complaint in the Circuit Court against Bluestone Coke. The department is seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief under the Alabama Air Pollution Control Act of 1971 (the “Air Pollution Control Act”) and the Jefferson County Board of Health Air Pollution Control Rules and Regulations (the “Regulations”).
“Our health department believes it is critically important to enforce and ensure compliance with the Air Pollution Control Act and the board’s rules and regulations, which are in place to protect the public’s health,” said Dr. Mark Wilson, Jefferson County health officer.
The department declined to renew Bluestone’s permit based on the company’s inability to operate its machines and equipment in compliance with the regulations, according to a press release from the JCDPH.
Bluestone Coke began operations on April 17, 1920. At that time the company was the Sloss, Sheffield Steel & Iron Company. On its website, the company claims it will produce an estimated 300,000 pounds of foundry coke in 2021
This story has been updated with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s comments.