New York coal-burning plant accused of pollution settles with regulators for $12 million

A western New York industrial plant has agreed to a $12 million settlement with federal and state officials who accused it of numerous environmental violations.

The agreement announced Monday requires Tonawanda Coke Corp. to spend $7.9 million on pollution-reducing upgrades, plus $1.3 million for environmental projects near the plant located north of Buffalo. The settlement also includes $2.75 million in civil penalties.

Located along the Niagara River, Tonawanda Coke burns coal to produce coke, which is used in steelmaking. In a statement, the company says it's already begun making the required improvements.

The company has been cited numerous times for violating state and federal environmental laws. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Monday's action brings to $42 million the total criminal and civil penalties levied in recent years.