Lawsuit against Muncie lead smelter settled

CHICAGO (AP) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Exide Technologies has agreed to settle a lawsuit that alleged Clean Air Act regulations were violated by the company's Muncie lead smelter.

According to federal officials, Exide Technologies has agreed to spend nearly $4 million on pollution control equipment to reduce air pollution from the Muncie facility. In addition to the pollution control equipment, the settlement also requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $820,000.

The lawsuit filed by the U.S. and the state of Indiana alleged the smelter's failure to comply with national emission standards resulted in the release of excess lead into the atmosphere.

The settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and is subject to public comment period before final court approval.