Federal Government Sues Wyandotte Over Air Emissions

The has violated the U.S. Clean Air Act since 1997, according to a lawsuit the federal government has filed against the city.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court, claims the city's power plant emits unlawful levels of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

The lawsuit seeks compliance with the government-mandated air quality law, as well as millions in fines.

According to the suit, the city can be fined up to $27,500 per day for every violation between Jan. 30, 1997, and March 15, 2004; up to $32,500 per day for each violation between March 15, 2004, and Jan. 12, 2009; and up to $37,500 per day for every violation after Jan. 12, 2009.

Wyandotte City Administrator Todd Drysdale said he was unaware of the lawsuit, but acknowledges problems in the past.

"The (power plant) has violated some of the conditions of the air permit," he said. "The government wasn't happy about that. ... They've been in negotiations over a consent decree, but it hasn't yet been finalized."

According to the suit, the city was issued a violation on May 5, 2006, and has not yet corrected the issues cited in the violation.

The power plant is overseen by , a department of the city.

According to municipal services' website, the power plant consists of three boilers and four generators. Fuels include coal, natural gas and tire-derived fuel.

In addition to supplying more than 90 percent of all the electricity needed for residences and businesses, the power plant also supplies all the steam needed by the city's two largest companies–BASF and .

To read the suit, click here.