The company has been having ongoing problems this year with equipment malfunctions that cause excessive and potentially harmful emissions.

In May and again in July the company experienced failures in furnace 18 that overwhelmed pollution control equipment and sent excessive amounts of manganese oxide into the air. The furnace is fitted with a dust collector to decrease particulate emissions.

On July 18 the incident lasted from 9:15 in the morning until 6 in the evening. The company responded by reducing the furnace load until it could be repaired. The quantity of emissions expelled during the incident was not reported to OEPA.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati are engaged in a study to examine the effects of manganese on local children. Manganese is a known neurotoxin, which has been shown to cause Parkinson's like symptoms in worker populations.

At the beginning of September the company announced plans for $150 million in environmental upgrades to reduce emissions. However, there have been no permits filed with regulatory agencies, nor have they been formally notified of Eramet's intentions.