MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) _ Environmental groups say they're disappointed a proposed settlement of alleged Clean Air Act violations involving a Muncie lead smelter doesn't require it to retrofit the complex with equipment that could dramatically cut its emissions.
The federal government and Exide Technologies rejected pleas by the environmental groups, Muncie's mayor and three neighborhood associations to install $31 million in pollution-control equipment at Exide's battery recycling facility.
The Star Press reports (http://tspne.ws/1VpfRSx ) the groups wanted the company to install equipment that could dramatically reduce its airborne emissions of lead and other pollutants.
Hoosier Environmental Council health director Indra Frank says the groups understand the federal government's legal argument for not requiring those pollution controls. But she says they remain disappointed because even tiny amounts of lead can harm young children's developing brains.
