WAUPACA FOUNDRY, INC. - Primary Metal Facility in Etowah, Tennessee

WAUPACA FOUNDRY, INC. is a primary metal facility located at 134 Waupaca Dr, Etowah, Tennessee, in McMinn County. The plant operates under NAICS codes 331111 (Iron and Steel Mills) and 331511 (Iron Foundries), indicating involvement in both steelmaking and iron casting. As part of the Waupaca Foundry network, it is a significant player in the U.S. metal casting industry. The facility operates under the U.S. EPA's multi-media regulatory framework, including the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions, Clean Water Act (CWA) for wastewater discharges, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste management. Given its primary metal sector, the plant likely uses electric arc furnaces or cupola furnaces for melting scrap metal, with typical pollution controls such as baghouses and scrubbers. The facility's scale is consistent with a large industrial foundry. Environmental significance stems from the inherent pollution intensity of primary metal production, including air emissions of particulate matter, metals, and greenhouse gases, as well as potential water contamination from cooling and process waters. The plant's location in Etowah, near the Hiwassee River, underscores the importance of compliance with CWA permits. Community proximity to residential areas may raise local air quality concerns.

The facility is situated in Etowah, Tennessee, within the Appalachian region, an area with a mix of industrial and natural landscapes. The Hiwassee River, a tributary of the Tennessee River, flows nearby, making water quality protection critical. Primary metal operations can release pollutants such as lead, cadmium, and particulate matter, which may affect local air and water resources. The plant's proximity to residential zones necessitates stringent adherence to EPA air and water permits to minimize community exposure.