Oxford News

The Ohio EPA's interpretation on use of emission credits from the closing of AK Steel's sinter plant remained unchanged in the final permit for a new $340 million coke oven facility to be built in Middletown, several changes were included based on residents' concerns.

In the permit approved by the OEPA on Nov. 25, there are additional terms specifying new ambient air monitoring near the site to test for toxins and hazardous air pollutants once every 12 days. Very small particulates, known as PM2.5, will be checked every three days. Larger particulates, known as PM10, will be checked every six days and will be measure differently as the result of a new federal guideline, the agency said.

In addition, the particulate emission limits for from the coke quench operation are also more stringent based on supporting data provided OEPA.

But since "issue that stands out" involving the emission credits still stands in the permit, attorney Christopher Walker said the approval was unexpected.

Walker, who was hired by the city of Monroe to provide Environmental Protection Agency services to the city regrading the SunCoke plant, said "the most important issue is the question whether Middletown Coke could claim certain emission reductions from the AK Steel facility that occurred more than five years ago."

"As I understand it, U.S. EPA has not resolved its concerns about some of the legal issues with this permit," he said. "We're very disappointed that this permit was issued without the important issues being resolved."

Monroe officials, who met in executive session Tuesday, following its council meeting, confirmed they would appeal the permit approval.

But in a time when global steel operations are suffering due to low demand for its products, the approval is a vital move to ensure continued steelmaking in Middletown for years to come, said Scott Rich, president of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 that represents the local plant's hourly work force.

"For the long term, it makes it more likely that continued improvements will be made in our mill, which helps us tremendously in these periods of downturn," he said. "It makes Middletown that more of an attractive place to make steel."

Issuance of the permit can be appealed to the Environmental Review Appeals Commission within 30 days of issuing the final action, said Heather Lauer, spokeswoman for the OEPA.

Staff writer

Denise Wilson contributed to this report.