CHICAGO (AP) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday it cited the U.S. unit of Dutch steel conglomerate Mittal Steel Co. N.V. for clean-air violations at the Burns Harbor steel plant.

The EPA alleges that Mittal did not get a state permit to make modifications in 1994 to a coke oven battery that increased sulfur dioxide emissions.

The permit would have required the company to use best available technology.

EPA said its findings are preliminary and it was considering possible resolutions, which could include a compliance order, an administrative penalty or a lawsuit.

Mittal has 30 days from the receipt of the EPA notice to meet with the agency to resolve the allegations.

A company spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Earlier in August, Mittal agreed to acquire Arcelor SA in a $32 billion deal, creating an international steel-making giant. Mittal's U.S. headquarters are in Chicago.

Posted 8/15/2006