EPA and Asarco debate charges of air quality violations at Hayden smelter

The Arizona Business Journal has posted both the EPA letter to Asarco charging them with 6 years of violations of the Clean Air Act at the Hayden copper smelter [right], and Asarco's responses challenging the allegations. The EPA says the smelter is a "major source" of hazardous air pollutants (HAP) including Arsenic, Lead, Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Manganese, Nickel, and Selenium.

Asarco counters that they are no more than a 'minor source' and in compliance with Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality standards.-