It all began with a malfunction in the plant's baghouse, which emitted a fine, sandy material known as alumina dust into nearby neighbourhoods. The initial discovery of this issue on September 3 sent the plant into immediate action.
Bob McAlister, the spokesperson for the Mt. Holly plant, stated that Century Aluminum had been "working around the clock" to address the problems that resulted in these emissions. He mentioned their collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) as they tackled the two issues that had caused this unique event.
