Eramet says it had a water leak in one of its furnaces back in November, which caused it to operate under a reduced load. That happened just as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was conducting a routine particulate compliance test on that furnace.

"What we did in respect to the orders that were issued in December," says Bruce Weinberg, Manager of the Ohio E.P.A.'s Division of Air Pollution control, "had to do with an annual compliance test that did not show compliance. We took the appropriate action against the company."

The fine of slightly more than $37,000 was the result of a settlement between the company and the E.P.A.

Eramet has had other environmental emissions problems before, but both the company and regulators say this is an isolated issue.

"The issues that have been raised by some of the environmental groups go beyond just complying with permit provisions," Weinberg says. "They've been asking for the company to take voluntary action to reduce emissions."

Eramet Spokeswoman Joy Frank-Collins says the fine was paid last week.

The furnace was repaired a few days after the E.P.A. tests were completed.