Century Aluminum Co

Century Aluminum operates a primary aluminum smelter in Goose Creek, South Carolina, which has been the source of documented toxic contamination and regulatory violations. In March 2025, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services fined the company $360,000 for violating federal EPA regulations by emitting excessive fluoride and particulate matter. This followed a 2023 class-action lawsuit filed by Goose Creek residents alleging that emissions of particulates from the smelter caused physical harm, including respiratory irritation and itching.

The company’s environmental record includes a pattern of regulatory failures. The South Carolina enforcement order required Century Aluminum to begin rigorous recording of all inspection and maintenance checks within 30 days, indicating systemic operational lapses. These incidents demonstrate a failure to prevent environmental damage from its core smelting operations, resulting in direct harm to the local community and persistent non-compliance with air quality standards.