Fairfield Community Updates
Committed to Transparency and Environmental Stewardship
Usalco takes seriously the concerns raised by members of the Fairfield and Lindenwald communities regarding particulate emissions. We have worked closely with the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (SWOAQA) to investigate these concerns and will continue to do so until the source is identified. Their recent testing indicates that our facility does not appear to be the source of the particulate issue, and the Fairfield facility is in compliance with all applicable regulations and permits.
Regardless, we remain committed to proactive measures. Over the past year, we have:
- Completed construction of an enclosure around a material stockpile to reduce potential exposure.
- Submitted emissions data and implemented corrective actions to ensure compliance with all permit requirements.
- Contracted independent consultants to conduct testing beyond regulatory requirements.
Our stewardship commitment is rooted in accurate monitoring, swift corrective action, and clear, factual reporting. We will continue to share verified information and maintain open communication with regulators and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fairfield facility produce safe products?
The products manufactured at Fairfield are NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 60 certified for Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals. This is an extensive standard that established minimum health effect requirements for chemicals used in drinking water treatment.
What is aluminum trihydrate (ATH)?
Aluminum Trihydrate is a naturally occurring mineral made of aluminum, oxygen, and water. It’s widely used in manufacturing aluminum-based products that help keep drinking water clean and safe.
What are the operating hours?
The Fairfield facility operates 24/7/365.
What is the “smoke” that comes out of the stacks?
The visible emissions at our plant consist of steam (water vapor) and hydrogen.
Is the Fairfield plant in compliance with environmental regulations?
Yes. Our emissions have been tested to ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. In addition, our site is certified to the American Chemistry Council (ACC) Responsible Care® Management System. Certification to this standard means we have demonstrated through third-party audits our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, the community, and the environment as a whole.
What steps has Usalco taken to address these concerns?
- Installed an enclosure over the aluminum trihydrate (ATH) pile.
- Improved preventive maintenance on the scrubber system.
- Conducted new emissions tests and shared results with regulators.
- Engaged independent consultants for additional testing.
How will Usalco keep the community informed?
We are committed to transparency. Updates will be posted on this page, and we will continue working with SWOAQA and local leaders to share accurate information.
Community members can also reach out to us directly at FairfieldCommunity@usalco.com
