by FERN SHEN

     The Severstal steel mill at Sparrows Point broke state air pollution laws on multiple occasions over the past year, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

     The company was informed on Sept. 24 by letter that it was being cited by MDE for instances in which it failed to control the emission of volatile organic compounds, air toxins and particulate matter at the Baltimore County mill. MDE’s letter said Severstal faces possible civil penalties that include fines of as much as $25,000 per violation.

     MDE disclosed the citations Friday in a routine monthly news release of state actions against companies and individuals across Maryland. According to MDE’s September 24 letter to Severstal:

     * The steelmaker’s “sintering” plant emitted excessive amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for 13 days between Sept. 13, 2008 and Oct. 23, 2008. This occurred again on June 25, 2009.

     * For 22 days between Nov. 10, 2008 and Jan. 14, 2009 the company failed to run its pollution scrubber at the Cold Reduction Mill properly.

     * The company also failed to take the proper steps to limit particle pollution on May 13. 2009.  (MDE contends in this instance that the company “failed to use flame suppression during re-ladling in the emergency pit when an employee improperly shut down the natural gas suppression control equipment.”)

    MDE spokesman Jay Apperson said the company has been cooperating in discussion about the alleged violations with the state. Severstal has also been meeting with MDE over the Sept. 29 furnace fire at the plant, which is still under investigation by the state.