Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - Phelps Dodge has been operating in south-central El Paso for decades. Now the copper refinery is promising cleaner conditions after 20 workers were poisoned by arsenic last year.

A spokesman for the company said the employees with elevated arsenic levels were moved to another part of the plant where their arsenic levels dropped.

The plant has since implemented changes to include improved cleaning procedures, a clean uniform and shower policy for every shift, and respiratory equipment for workers.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality checked the air outside the plant as early as last April and determined the neighborhood is not affected.

Phelps Dodge says it is now checking air quality regularly inside the tank house.

OSHA cited Phelps Dodge with 7 violations. The company is contesting OSHA's claims.