Unfortunately Ohio EPA has issued a permit that puts the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works on a trajectory to rebuild their blast furnace instead installing far cleaner technology (DRI, or direct-reduced iron), which would eliminate millions of tons of carbon dioxide and particulate, worsening climate change and the community’s health.
In addition, Ohio EPA sent a Notice of Violation to Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill. Cliffs had a malfunction described as a burden slip and bleeder valve release on August 13, 2026. A. burden slip occurs when there is a blockage or collapse of raw materials in the blast furnace. a bleeder valve allows high pressure gases that have built up to be released. These gases bypass the scrubber and coke, iron, particulates are released to the air. if temperatures exceed 842°F, the gases can ignite with oxygen in the air and cause fires.
OEPA’s letter seems to consider the issue resolved. their letter says “The report further states all actions necessary and required by any applicable preventive maintenance and malfunction abatement plan will be or have been implemented”. There is no indication of when the abatement plan will be implemented.
We have attached the comment letter sent by Sierra Club and other organizations and the announcement from Ohio EPA.
