submitted by Steven Urso
On June 18 SunCoke Energy announced they would like a New Source Review permit issued for construction by September 1, 2009. SunCoke has obtained emission credits for the new proposed SunCoke facility on Yankee Road. There is a question as to whether SunCoke is eligible for the New Source Permit since one of the requirements for the new permit is that they need their other facilities to be environmentally compliant. SunCoke was issued a notice of violation in April of 2009 at their Haverhill, Ohio facility. SunCoke has not submitted a complete application to Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services and SunCoke has failed to provide any information on their offsets for the SunCoke facility in Middletown, Ohio.
The first permit issued in November of 2008 is still on file with the Ohio EPA and has not been withdrawn. A motion was introduced to put the first permit on hold in May but AK/SunCoke stated they are constructing under the first permit. SunCoke is using the New Source Permit as a back up if the first permit does not work out. While SunCoke states the New Source Permit removes any doubt of being environmentally friendly it still has major concerns. NoX emissions and uncovered coal piles are just a two examples of questions regarding the New Source permit.
SunCoke Watch and the City of Monroe are still litigating the first permit and will continue to have a high amount of interest in the second permit. Parties interested in the New Source Review permit are asked to submit comments to the Ohio EPA and to request a public hearing by emailing Mike Ploetz at the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services at mike.ploetz@hamilton-co.org.
SunCoke Watch will have a booth at the Light the Sky Festival at Monroe Community Park. Citizens are urged to visit the booth for information regarding questions and concerns they may have. Please visit www.suncokewatch.com for up to date information in regards to news stories and to donate funds to SunCoke Watch to cover attorney fees.