Atlantic States is First Foundry in North America to Demonstrate Reduced Mercury Emissions.

PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. -- Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe (Atlantic States) today announced that with the successful test of its state-of-the-art emission control system, it has become the first foundry in North America to apply control technology to substantially limit mercury emissions. Representing an investment of more than $9.3 million, the new technology installed by Atlantic States has allowed it to surpass compliance with emission standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the federal Clean Air Act, and preemptively meet New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) mercury regulations far ahead of its compliance date of January 3, 2010.

The new NJDEP mercury regulations will require foundries to achieve an emission rate of 35mg mercury per ton of pipe manufactured or 75 percent removal. During a certified stack test conducted on December 5, 2006, Atlantic States achieved mercury emissions of less than 2mg per ton and exceeded 99 percent removal. As a result, three years ahead of NJDEP's schedule, Atlantic States has voluntarily put systems in place that removed over 50 lbs of mercury from its emissions in 2006 and will remove over 200 lbs of mercury from its emissions before the new regulations become effective. The new system has also dramatically reduced lead emissions. During the stack test, Atlantic States achieved lead emissions of 0.00039 lb/hr or 99.9 percent removal.

"We take great pride in the fact that Atlantic States is the industry leader in the reduction of mercury emissions, and that with the installation of our cupola emissions system, we have now set a standard for the industry that will produce significant benefits to the environment," said Mitchell Kidd, Vice President and General Manager of Atlantic States. "We are proud of the results we have achieved to reduce mercury in the environment." Kidd also stated, "I want to note that this project could not have happened without the timely assistance of the NJDEP. We thank the NJDEP for their cooperation and we will continue to work closely with regulators and organizations such as the Warren County AirQAP to ensure environmental protection for our community."

In addition to removing mercury and lead, the stack test on the Atlantic States' advanced emissions system has demonstrated:

* Significant reduction in particulate matter emissions

* Reduction in carbon monoxide emissions by 95 percent

* Significant reduction in other metals emissions

After one year, the operation of the new Atlantic States emissions system has:

* Reduced natural gas and electricity consumption

* Decreased waste generation

* Eliminated the visible steam plume for the first time since 1856

* Reduced noise levels associated with daily operations

* Improved safety and facility housekeeping

About Atlantic States

Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Company, based in Phillipsburg, NJ, is a Division of McWane, Inc. The foundry was first established on March 3, 1856, as the Warren Foundry and Machine Company and was acquired by McWane, Inc. in 1975. Today, Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Company, which employs approximately 300 people and utilizes the latest engineering techniques, is recognized as one of the country's most experienced manufacturers and suppliers of Ductile Iron Pipe, meeting customer needs throughout the Mid-Atlantic, New England states and Canada.