There is cause for deep community concem i11 the u coming U.S. Steel-EPA negotiagons on environmental issues, Indeed, the very future of Geneva Works could be at stake. Dale L. Armstrong, who until July 1 headed U.S. Steel’s western division, laid it on the line in an interview with the Herald a few darlyls ag;). e lgh company executive, who has just been named vice president and assistant to the president of U.S. Steel with offices in Pittsburgh, said that if expenditures are required beyond Geneva’s ability to recover costs for pollution controls in ”a reasonable length of time,” the only alternative is to close down the plant. Mr. Armstrong underlined the oompany’s concern and appreciation for Geneva and the people here, But in the same breath he stressed that profits throughout U.S. Steel’s system are not adequate and the company cannot afford to operate the plant at a loss for any extended period. He contrasted the Geneva position with U.S. Steel’s plants in westem Pennsylvania which are close to their markets whereas the Utah mill must ship its products to the West Coast, And the problem of foreign steel dumping – which has eased a bit but hasn’t been solved – continues to plague the western market to a greater degree than the East. Thus, Geneva’s fight for its existence continues and the environmental issue could be a more serious hurdle than any problem encountered thus far. We believe a calm, reasonable approach and an understanding attitude can go a long way in finding acceptable solutions when EPA and U.S. Steel officials discuss the sensitive issues involved in meeting air and water standards. Health factors are important, of course. But so are economic practicalities. Geneva has made it clear it wants to cooperate; but that the extent of the proposed antipollution program and the timetable are matters of vitalconcern. Present laws call for achieving federal air quality standards by the end of 1982 and water nomis by 1984. It may not be within the power of the EPA negotiators to adjust these deadlines if that seems in order to save the situation. But Congress can change them – and we elieve the lawmakers (and especially our Utah delegation) should be looking over the shoulders of the negotiators, ready to take appropriate action if necessary. You don’t have to be a fiscal expert to realize the disastrous economic consequences that would be visited upon this valley and state if Geneva were to close. Six thousand gobs (5,000 of them in Utah Coimty and other steel industry benefits speak loudly for delicate bundling of the upcoming issues. It ls good and right and necessary t at Geneva continue to operate. In fact it seems inconceivable that government would force costly programs without first solving the imports problem that curtalls dmnestlc steel income and the ability of a plant to comply. U.S. Steel officials have been frank with the public that the negotiations are critical to Geneva’s future. We hope all concemed will consider the message carefully.