By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-899540.mp3
Tonawanda, NY – The United States Environmental Protection Agency once again took action last week against Tonawanda Coke.
Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's full story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
According to Erin Heaney, executive director for the Clean air Coalition, that means the air in Tonawanda should finally start getting easier to breathe. Heaney said the EPA is demanding that the plant reduce the amount of smoke and ash emitted into the air.
And she said the agency has ordered to plant to make repairs to make sure emissions stay acceptable.
The plant owner and managers have repeatedly declined WBFO's requests for comment. According to Heaney, the plant must do an audit of its entire operating procedures and equipment with an engineer that the EPA has certified.
Heaney said the oil spill in the gulf and the coal mine tragedy in West Virginia point to the need for greater federal over sight.
If Tonawanda Coke fails to institute an acceptable plan the EPA could issue fines or potentially even shut down the plant. Heaney said that is not the wish of the EPA or the coalition. She said they just want the plant to operate safely.