Groups Intend To Sue Chemical Plant Over Alleged Pollution

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Two environmental organizations claim a chemical plant in Baltimore's Curtis Bay is releasing more than 12 times the permitted levels of nitrogen pollution into the bay, and they intend to sue.

Tom Pelton of the Environmental Energy Project says recent research has found the Erachem Comilog Plant is releasing more pollution than is allowed by law. The plant is owned by the French company Eramet, and processes manganese ore into chemicals used in electronics and agriculture.

The EEP and the environmental group Blue Water Baltimore have announced their intent to sue to get the company to comply.

Blue Water Baltimore spokesman David Flores says Erachem is limited to releasing 13,800 pounds of nitrogen per year, but has been releasing 170,000 pounds.

Erachem representatives say they have been working with state officials to "ensure compliance with applicable total effluent nitrogen."

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