Tonawanda Coke’s Probation Case Continues

This morning Tonawanda Coke appeared in US District Court in front of the Honorable Judge William Skretny regarding potential violations of the company’s probation from their 2013 court case and 2014 criminal sentence.

At the hearing, US Attorney Aaron Mango referred to many instances where the company violated the probation order, including numerous compliance issues brought forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Environmental Protection Agency; specifically citing daily opacity violations, an inspection revealing a giant hole in the company’s ammonia tank resulting in a chemical leak, and  structural damage at the facility. The US Government requested an immediate hearing, and if Tonawanda Coke is found guilty of probation violations requested that the court issue a Cease and Desist.  Mango went on to say “What the Government wants is for the community to stop breathing hazardous air.”

Attorney’s for Tonawanda Coke stated that the company has hired a expert to deal with the repairs to their coke oven battery and opacity, and  that this consultant will have a root cause analysis completed by September 14th.

Judge Skretny issued the following:

• By close of business today, Tonawanda Coke’s attorneys must submit a response to the US Government’s petition.
• By close of business tomorrow (Wednesday the 5th) the US Government must submit a response to the company’s papers.
• By close of business on Thursday the 6th, the company must respond to the US Government.
• Both parties will meet back in court on Monday the 10th at 2pm.

Clean Air will be holding a public meeting to discuss what happened in court, and generate community demands as this case continues.

The meeting will take place this Thursday, September 6th at the Broundshidle Post (3354 Delaware Ave. in Kenmore) at 6pm.