NEWS from the United Steelworkers: USW Puts ASARCO on Notice about Pollution Suit; Union, Community Activists Allege Insufficient Reporting of Contaminants.

PHOENIX -- Sixth graph, first sentence should read "The government agencies charged with the task of protecting the citizens of Arizona cannot sit by idly," he said, "and I'm proud to work with the USW to help make sure these laws are being enforced." (sted "The government agencies charged with the task of protecting the citizens of Arizona cannot sit by idly while ASARCO's pollution is making people sick," he said, "and I'm proud to work with the USW to help make sure these laws are being enforced.").

The corrected release reads:

NEWS FROM THE UNITED STEELWORKERS: USW PUTS ASARCO ON NOTICE ABOUT POLLUTION SUIT; UNION, COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS ALLEGE INSUFFICIENT REPORTING OF CONTAMINANTS

The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the Union and Don't Waste Arizona (DWAZ), a non-profit environmental organization noted for enforcement of environmental laws, have taken the first step toward filing a lawsuit against ASARCO, Inc. by providing notice of intent to file suit in United States Federal District Court under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) for what appears as insufficient reporting of the use and release of toxic chemicals into the environment from the company's copper mining and smelting operations in Hayden.

According to a letter sent today by USW and DWAZ to fulfill the 60-day notice requirement to perfect jurisdiction to bring the citizen suit, ASARCO has failed to accurately complete and submit required Toxic Chemical Release Forms for each year from 1999 through 2004 to report discharges of Nickel Compounds, Selenium Compounds, Hydrogen Fluoride and Chlorine into the environment. Under EPCRA, ASARCO could be subject to civil penalties up to $32,500 per violation with liabilities that ultimately could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

USW District 12 Director Terry Bonds said the Union plans to follow through with the suit after the required 60 days have passed.

"We have found that employers who disrespect workers often treat the environment with the same contempt," Bonds said, "and until ASARCO and its parent company, Grupo Mexico, start obeying our laws and respecting workers, we'll continue in our efforts to bring these companies to justice."

DWAZ president Steve Brittle said his group is working in the community to raise awareness about pollution and the high incidences of lung cancer and lead poisoning in Hayden and to encourage ASARCO to operate responsibly.

"The government agencies charged with the task of protecting the citizens of Arizona cannot sit by idly," he said, "and I'm proud to work with the USW to help make sure these laws are being enforced."