The Clean Air Act of 1907 re ires that companies like neva Works bring the primary ..ir particulate level to 75 micrograms per cubic meter by the close of 1982. Geneva Works of U. S. Steel Corp. has accepted the responsibility – and after much research and engineering, says it can do the cleanup job with a $50 million expenditure for equipment and facilities. This would be in addition to other expenditures through the years for pollution control – including $8 million for the recently-completed “baghouse” and part of a current project up dating and rehabilitating the coke oven batteries. The coke oven costs alone are projected in the neighborhood of $50 million, of which about $12 million will go for environmental improvements, say company officials. Geneva also is in the midst of a blast furnace rehabilitation project. Overhaul of the No. 2 furnace is underway at a projected cost of $14 million. The other two furnaces are programmed for rehabilitation within the next three years. The Herald sees U. S. Steel’s willingness to make these substantial allocations as a solid demonstration of its faith in Geneva and the Utah operation this in spite of distressing market import problems and environmental issues. The Geneva position on air cleanup generally has the backing of the state. However, the federal Environmental Protection Agency rejected aspects of the state implementation plan (SIP) which included Geneva Works. The document must now be revised. EPA reportedly is talking of air pollution control facilities that would cost in the neighborhood of $177 million – but at this point has neither declared this a must nor rejected the $50 million proposal made by Geneva. U. S. Steel officials say the $50 million would accomplish 91 percent of the air purification the $177 million could achieve. When you’re talking about that kind of money particularly ‘ien it’s somebody else’s extra millions may seem unimportant. But the amount is important indeed when it makes the difference in profit and loss when it can destroy the economic balance of an industry when it affects jobs and payrolls and might determine whether a plant operates or closes. Pres. William R. Roesch of U. S. Steel Corp., a man who has headed three major steel companies, should know whereof he speaks on this subject. Mr. Roesch, who visited Geneva the other day, told newsmen in Salt Lake that”$50 million is the limit we can go. ” He said further: “As we work for solutions to the problems before us, it is of utmost importance that we keep this plant economically viable.” U. S. Steel, he added, is willing to submit the company’s figures for analysis by an independent CPA firm for verification of economic factors. With the 1982 deadline on Clean Air Act compliance edging closer, it becomes important that negotiations with EPA be expedited. U. S. Steel would like to “wrap up” the talks before the end of the year so it can proceed with equipment orders looking to ultimate installation. Recapping the picture as we see it: The government has set an air quality standard and a deadline for comlpliance. U. S. Steel and Geneva ave accepted the responsibility and submitted a proposal that will do the job at a price they can meet. It’s time now for EPA to cut through the red tape, give Geneva the go-ahead, and remove the uncertainties which hang over the Utah Valley plant. Clearly, in this matter, the government ought to be encouraging and supporting this industry. Geneva’s economic viability should be a prime concern – particularly in this time of soaring inflation, impending recession, and energy and economic crises. . Another negotiating session is scheduled in Denver Aug. 20, mainly on teclmical matters. We encourage a speedup of the action and a highly-cooperative attitude that will enable Geneva to move ahead with its program on a sound and economically-feasible basis.