Tipped off by complaints from the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York, Judith Enck -- regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for just two months -- has issued numerous violation notices against Tonawanda Coke Corp.

The Tonawanda Coke plantThe EPA action involves civil violations, each of which is punishable by fines of up to $35,000 daily, the Buffalo News reported.  Among the agency's complaints is that Tonawanda Coke has allowed rusty pipes and tar sludge tanks to leak hazardous waste onto the ground and into the Niagara River.

Additonally, Enck said EPA has ordered Tonawanda Coke to conduct new tests for benzene. The EPA and state Department of Environmental Protection concluded last year that benzene emissions from the plant are 75 times the recommended guidelines. The U.S. Attorney's office is bringing a criminal case against the plant's environmental control manager related to the benzene discharges.

The foundry coke produced at Tonawanda is used as fuel in the manufacture of engine blocks for the automobile industry. J.D. Crane owns the plant and another in Pennsylvania that also is under scrutiny by environmental regulators.