Residents, Environmental Groups Sue Maryland Steel Mill

Residents of Sparrows Point, Maryland have joined two environmental groups in suing the owners of a century-old steel mill.

The lawsuit filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Baltimore targets Severstal North America, the current operator of the steel mill, and its last owner, ArcelorMittal.

A federal court ordered steel makers to clean up pollution coming from the property 13 years ago, but state and federal officials have cited the steel mill 22 times since then.

Studies show waste byproducts from the mill are present in waterways around the site. Other required ecological and human-health assessments have not been completed. Those who live nearby complain of grime coating their boats. They worry about swimming or fishing in the water.

Representatives of both companies would not comment on the suit.