October 21, 2021
October 13, 2021
September 30, 2021
September 29, 2021
U.S. EPA’s preliminary sample results show the reddish-orange discharge from the U.S. Steel Midwest Plant outfall was caused by high levels of iron. U.S. EPA’s preliminary sample results also currently indicate that the discharge was below the numeric effluent discharge limits contained in U.S. Steel’s NPDES permit. Results for surface water samples taken near the U.S. Steel outfall do not indicate any health risks for people who may come into direct contact with the water along the Portage River Walk.
Federal and state agencies continue to investigate the matter to determine the cause of the discharge and possible Clean Water Act compliance issues, as well as environmental impacts and further actions that are necessary to ensure future compliance.