Ohio EPA today granted Sun Coke, doing business as Middletown Coke, a final air permit-to-install. The permit sets air pollution limits and allows the company to begin construction of three batteries totaling 100 heat recovery coke ovens at 7014 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Middletown.
Ohio EPA is issuing the permit today because state officials believe it meets all air pollution rules and requirements. However, U.S. EPA is currently reviewing one item concerning the use of shutdown credits and they may or may not agree with Ohio EPA's determination.
"This is a good permit, one that is protective of human health and the environment, and one which, in our view, is fully compliant with the Clean Air Act," said Chris Korleski, Director of Ohio EPA. "I realize that air permitting can be complex, and we certainly want to have the benefit of US EPA's analysis. Nevertheless, while discussions continue with our federal partners, I believe it is necessary to preserve the validity of our own interpretation and to move forward with the issuance of the permit."
Ohio EPA has recommended and requested that Middletown Coke Company not begin actual construction until the issue is resolved. The permit is being issued today because Ohio EPA believes it is approvable and issuance preserves the shutdown credits.
Coke is used as a raw material to produce iron, which is then used to produce steel. The operations at the new coke-making facility would include coal handling, coal charging, heat recovery coking, coke pushing, coke quenching and coke handling and storage. Heat recovery generators would recover waste heat from the ovens to produce steam and electricity. The proposed facility is designed to coke up to 912,500 tons per year of coal.
Ohio EPA air permits establish limits on emissions and the operation, and require the use of best available technology to control emissions. Emissions limits are established to ensure compliance with federal clean air standards and protect public health.
This permit application was the subject of significant public interest. The answers to many specific questions raised may be found in Ohio EPA's Response to Comments for Middletown Coke which is at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/transfer/ptiApplication/mcc/MCC_ResponsetoCommentsfinal.pdf.
As a result of public comments, some changes were incorporated into the final permit. For example:
- There are additional terms specifying new ambient air monitoring near the site to test for toxics and hazardous air pollutants once every 12 days; PM2.5 (very small particulates) once every three days; and PM10 (larger particulates) once every six days.
- The particulate emission limits for from the coke quench operation are more stringent based on supporting data provided to Ohio EPA.
- PM10 emissions will be measured differently as the result of new federal guidance.
Issuance of the permit can be appealed to the Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC). Many appeals must be filed within 30 days of issuing the final action; therefore, Ohio EPA recommends that anyone wishing to file an appeal contact ERAC at (614) 466-8950 for more information.
Source: EPA Press Release
