Chicago steelmaker A. Finkl & Sons is facing hefty environmental costs after agreeing to install pollution controls and pay the state of Illinois $125,000 to settle allegations that it released excessive amounts of nitrogen oxide from its Far Southeast Side plant.
The company, now owned by Swiss Steel, has taken no admission of wrongdoing in the settlement, which also requires it to implement new emissions-monitoring systems by 2027. Finkl's operations at the 1355 E. 93rd St. site have been criticized for failing to control nitrogen oxide emissions between late 2021 and early 2022.
The state's Attorney General's office accused Finkl of neglecting to operate and maintain equipment, leading to an increase in harmful nitrogen oxides. The company has a long history in Chicago, dating back to the late 1800s, but has faced several environmental setbacks over the years, including a plan to add new furnaces at its South Side operation that was scrapped after community protests.
Finkl's move from Lincoln Park to Burnside has not improved its environmental track record, with the company continuing to operate in one of Chicago's smallest communities. The steelmaker produces custom-shaped steel products by melting recycled scrap metal at its Far Southeast Side plant.
The settlement is a result of an investigation into Finkl's environmental practices by the Attorney General's office.
The company, now owned by Swiss Steel, has taken no admission of wrongdoing in the settlement, which also requires it to implement new emissions-monitoring systems by 2027. Finkl's operations at the 1355 E. 93rd St. site have been criticized for failing to control nitrogen oxide emissions between late 2021 and early 2022.
The state's Attorney General's office accused Finkl of neglecting to operate and maintain equipment, leading to an increase in harmful nitrogen oxides. The company has a long history in Chicago, dating back to the late 1800s, but has faced several environmental setbacks over the years, including a plan to add new furnaces at its South Side operation that was scrapped after community protests.
Finkl's move from Lincoln Park to Burnside has not improved its environmental track record, with the company continuing to operate in one of Chicago's smallest communities. The steelmaker produces custom-shaped steel products by melting recycled scrap metal at its Far Southeast Side plant.
The settlement is a result of an investigation into Finkl's environmental practices by the Attorney General's office.
. like, i get it, we all need steel and stuff, but can't they just take responsibility and make some changes instead of paying a bunch of cash to shut up the gov 
? and 125k is pretty harsh, especially if they didn't do anything wrong 
. maybe it's time for us to think about making more sustainable options, like repurposing old steel or finding new materials 
? just a thought 
i guess that's just the problem - these big companies can hide behind their wealth and power, but at least now someone is holding them accountable 
It's not like they're a new company or anything. And now they have to shell out $125k to settle with the state of Illinois... that's just a drop in the bucket considering all the damage they've caused.
it's literally so much fun and rewarding... i mean, who needs store-bought when you can make your own? plus, it's like, a great way to reduce waste and all that jazz. i was thinking of trying out some new recipes this weekend... do you have any fave pasta shapes or sauces?
. I mean, you've got a company with 135 years of history in Chicago and they're still screwing up on basic pollution controls? It's like, come on guys! They had plenty of time to get it right and now we're paying the price because they didn't.
. The fact that they're only agreeing to install new emissions-monitoring systems by 2027 is just a Band-Aid on a bigger problem. What about the past few years when they were releasing excessive nitrogen oxide? Did nobody notice back then?
. It's appalling that they released excessive amounts of nitrogen oxide from their plant, putting innocent lives at risk. And to think they're only paying $125,000 as a settlement? It just doesn't feel right 
. It's time for them to step up and show us they're committed to being good neighbors, not just good business partners 
.
.
The thing is, Finkl's been around for ages (like, since the late 1800s) so you'd think they'd have gotten it together by now. 
they're also gotta install new pollution controls and emissions monitoring systems by 2027! like isn't this just the most classic case of a big corp getting called out for its dirty habits? I mean, i get it, we all make mistakes, but come on Finkl's been around since the late 1800s and they can't even be bothered to keep their own emissions in check?! what's next is gonna happen to this community?! 
They've been around since the 1800s, thats even longer than my fave brand of sneakers has been makin shoes 
they're still makin awesome custom steel products 
even if they are a bit of an environmental disaster zone 
. Maybe there was some miscommunication or lack of oversight? Either way, I hope Finkl takes this as a wake-up call and makes some real changes for the better 
. This is a big deal for the community, 'specially on the Far Southeast Side where that plant's been operatin'. It's crazy that it took an investigation to get Finkl to take responsibility and make changes. I mean, we all know about the history of neglect and environmental issues with this company... it's not exactly a great record for Chicago 
.
they're really stepping up to hold the company accountable for its emissions and making sure it's not harming the environment anymore 
i mean, it's about time someone did something about those nitrogen oxide levels... i'm all about keeping our air clean and healthy 
just saw that A. Finkl & Sons in Chicago is settling with the state for $125k and having to install new pollution controls... idk why they're not taking more responsibility for their own mess though