Middletown vs. Moeller
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Small crowd brings big questions to EPA
Butler County residents raise concerns over 'netting' credits for SunCoke air emissions
COMMENT: Should the EPA approve the permit for the coke plant?
RELATED: Foes running out of options | Graphic
Friday, August 22, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — A crowd of about 90 people from across Butler County had one general question in mind to pose the Ohio EPA on the proposed SunCoke coke oven facility to be built in Middletown: What about our health?
Attention centered at the public hearing held Thursday, Aug. 21, at Miami University Middletown on the "netting" process, which would allow AK Steel Corp. to use the credits it earned by reducing emissions from closing down its sintering plant at Middletown Works in June 2003 and additional boiler changes to cover emissions from the SunCoke facility.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is considering AK Steel and the proposed $340 million coke-making and heat recovery co-generation plant as one entity while reviewing the permit because AK will be the soul purchaser of the coke. This means AK's credits could be used for the increased emissions to be produced by SunCoke, said Paul Tedtman of the Ohio EPA.
But the netting process has a limitation of five years from the cutback in emissions to the beginning of construction, which has yet to take place, said Chris Walker, an attorney hired by Monroe to review the permit.
Because five years already has lapsed, Walker said the credits cannot legally be considered, and said the permit should be denied.
It has taken years for AK Steel and other businesses to reduce emissions and improve the air quality in the area, said Gayla Epure of Fairfield Twp., but the EPA would allow that to be wiped away by the coke facility.
"The air just does not stay in Middletown," she said. "What is being done here can be done anywhere in Butler County."
However, the EPA is attesting that overall "you're still seeing an improvement in air quality even with the addition of this plant compared to what we were seeing in 2003."
Other issues addressed included:
Will coal piles be covered?
The Ohio EPA said it is not stipulated the piles be covered, but dampened to reduce dust rolling. Residents asked that the coal be in storage units to prevent blowing dust.
Will there be monitoring?
The Ohio EPA said it has established several monitors across the area where emissions have the highest impact. Data is collected every six days. Residents urged inclusion of Amanda Elementary School and Garden Manor Nursing Home. Also, they would like the facility to be open to public surveillance and cameras to ensure emission standards are met.
What about Dicks Creek?
This permit does not deal with Dicks Creek. It's not be determined if the facility will have wastewater; company officials plan to capture runoff and rain water. This may be addressed by an industrial storm water permit if the project goes forward.
How do I submit written testimony?
The deadline has been extended for written testimony by request to 5 p.m. on Sept. 4, Ohio EPA officials said. Mail comments to: Mike Ploetz of the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, 250 William Howard Taft Road, Cincinnati, OH 45219; or fax (513) 946-7778.
Where do I find answers to submitted questions?
The Response to Comments Document will be posted on the Ohio EPA's Web site after they can be researched and compiled. The file will be accessible sometime after Sept. 4.
Are past violations considered?
By Ohio law, the Ohio EPA cannot consider past violations when considering an air permit.
"Just because their were violations at (the SunCoke facility in) Haverhill does not mean they will commit violations here," said Paul Tedtman with the Ohio EPA Department of Environmental Services.
Can SunCoke bypass their emission controls?
Yes. Ohio EPA officials acknowledged the company plans to send emissions through a bypass stack at least 1,800 hours a year. The air emissions permit draft includes this bypass in its estimates.
It also is possible for the company to bypass emissions from controls through the main stack in the case of a malfunction. Residents said they would like to be warned when the company has a planned or unplanned bypass so they are aware of the increased emissions.
Emissions information
The Ohio EPA has included the following limits on air pollutants from proposed SunCoke coke facility in Middletown in tons per year:
Particulate matter (stack): 344.55
Particulate matter 10 microns or less: 217.4
Particulate matter 2.5 microns or less: 114.05
Sulfur dioxide: 1584.75
Nitrogen oxide: 483.67
Carbon monoxide:: 129.49
Volatile organic compounds: 31.35
Hydrochloric acid: 121
Sulfuric acid mist: 36.29
Hazardous air pollutants: 3.6
Lead: 560 pounds
Comments
By Rob
September 9, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
To Steve, I hope that 90 people are enough to stand in the way of SunCoke. Butler County is polluted enough!!
By LemonTwpResident
August 23, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
The EPA Rules, per 40 CFR 52.21(b)(3)(ii) are:
An increase or decrease in actual emissions is contemporaneous with the increase from the particular change only if it occurs between: a) The date 5 years before construction on the particular change commences; and b) the date that the increase from the particular change occurs.
See here for the whole document: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div8&view=text&node=40:3.0.1.1.1.1.1.19&idno=40
By LemonTwpResident
August 23, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
The EPA should not approve the permit, because the netting calculation does not follow their established rules. The Sinter plant shutdown was more then 5 years ago, so those credits are not usable. MCC should resubmit the permit without the netting, and then we can have further discussion about the pollution levels.
By History Buff
August 23, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
So I added it up and mulitplied by ‘a ton’. That comes to 3,626,150 pounds of pollution added to the air in the Middletown area.
Lets pack it all up and send it to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in NJ (they financed the smoking bans). They can spend their big bucks on that one!
By History Buff
August 23, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
When you add up all those numbers and then multiply it by ‘a ton’ (1,000) that is a LOT of pollution!
And they say cigarettes are a threat?
Someone is daffy and it isn’t the cigarette smokers!
By JM
August 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Yes, our mayor and Mr. McCoy seemed to be the best of friends last night, didn’t they? Can we say conflict of interest? I also noticed how the foremans were incredibly rude and immature, especially one man in particular. Anyway, there were some great questions asked! Great job!
By jelly
August 22, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
big money moves in then big money moves out then everyone is left-out except the people in the area they will be living in a industrial wasteland or the middle of the mills? oh is that how middletown got its name?
By jelly
August 22, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
big money moves in then big money moves out then everyone is left-out except the people in the area they will be living in a industrial wasteland or the middle of the mills? oh is that how middletown got its name?
By jelly
August 22, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
big money moves in then big money moves out then everyone is left-out except the people in the area they will be living in a industrial wasteland or the middle of the mills? oh is that how middletown got its name?
By jelly
August 22, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
big money moves in then big money moves out then everyone is left-out except the people in the area they will be living in a industrial wasteland or the middle of the mills? oh is that how middletown got its name?
By not surprised
August 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
To continue: Our council members a joke and only care about lining thier own pockets. Ms. Jones was right about one thing, City Council should be reported to the ethics commission.
By not surprised
August 22, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I am not surprised by the vote of our city council members. Ms. Anita sott-jones whinned about the attacks in regard to this issue, all I can say is that as long as she walks hand and hand with coucil to distory this town she better devlop a thicker skin. As far as Mr. Marconni talking about people not portesting Hustler, where was he under a rock? People did protest it and besides what does the Huster store have to do with this anyway, at least it is not killing us by poluting our air.
By Middie
August 22, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Correction Steve: It is only bringing 50-75 jobs and those will be filled by Suncoke employees from other parts of the state + a tax abatement = not a good economic choice for our city!!! Let’s keep it real. Suncoke is an all around bad idea for our city.
By MD
August 22, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Who the hell cares? Middletown is a blister on the butt of all who live here. The roads are horrible, the government only cares about themselves and AK is the only employer anybody in Middletown cares about. Most people who live here thinks their jobs at AK makes them superior to everyone else. SO WHO THE HELL CARES. Monroe is right up there with them all they care about is that minimun paying outlet mall and what the schools system wants. Only a chosen few in Monroe is all that matters.
By Riddle Me This....
August 22, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
What goes better with Sun Chips? Sun Coke!
By Riddle Me This....
August 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
What goes better with Sun Chips? Sun Coke!
By Riddle Me This....
August 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
What goes better with Sun Chips? Sun Coke!
By Steve
August 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I am so glad that 90 people are standing in the way of thousands of jobs. the last thing that we need in this area is another big employer!! People should be able to breathe clean air while living in a ghost town!! This terrible local economy will hurt the value of your properties much worse than air quality!!! Great job!! Again…..the loud and ignorant MINORITY stands up!!!
By Sandy
August 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Actually, they can’t consider the past record of either company. Just because they violated before, doesn’t mean that they’ll do it again.
It’s a good thing that our schools don’t use that standard with pedophiles or the BMV with drivers, or for that matter, the courts with any other criminals.
By Middie
August 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I would just like to thank Lisa Frye for all of her time and effort that has been put towards this cause! Also to all of the residents of Middletown and Monroe and surrounding communities for standing up for what is right. Money is the root of all evil and it sure is showing here in this fight! Keep up the good work to all and don’t listen to the ignorance that is flowing from City Council and AK and Suncoke!!! Comment to EPA until 9-4!!! Don’t forget!!
By Paul Koloszar
August 22, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
The article contains an error. Ohio law only prohibits consideration of past violations by AK Steel, not SunCoke, because SunCoke, not AK (wink wink) is the applicant.
Additionally, I find it funny that, in spite of the fact that this will be a SunCoke venture, “AK will be the soul (sic) purchaser of the coke.”
Do human eyes, coupled with brains capable of understanding the importance of context and spelling, scan these articles before they are committed to print anymore?
By Keith
August 22, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
To all that is writing on this please write to the epa and voice your complaints. They will consider them up to sept.4th
By Mandy J
August 22, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Did anyone mention that we, as in MIDDLETOWN (specifically) made #4 (FOUR) on the list of cities with the biggest carbon footprint?!? I’m incredibly ashamed! Unfortunately, a lot of my family has been employed by AK through the years, but the plant is killing us all slowly. Ever notice the diminishing air quality as you drive into Middletown, and moreso the closer you get to AK? Its horrible! And the rain is dirty and much more acidic than areas further away from here.
Vote NO!
By John Brandt
August 22, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I moved to Middletown,Ohio in 1988 since living in the City I have developed asthma and breathing problems. I have the best air filter that can be purchased and it is black as coal every time I change it. I am a patient of a local Doctor who treats breathing problems and his office has hundreds of files on patients.
By Keith
August 22, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I think It was Ironic seeing are lovely Mayor there with Mr.MCoy. Only proves to me that we people was sold out at the council meeting. Also I think its a shame that the 5 goonies (AK Foremans)Was laughing and making jokes about this meeting.They sure wouldnt be doing it if it was at there back yard. Wait,maybe they would since there already breathing in the pollution that they cause.
By Plumber
August 22, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
The first plan to build the coke plant was inside the mill.That would had a cause promblem!Would had to use AK employee’s.Will AK Steel Lock them out when things do not go their way. When will the old coke plant shut down? How many jobs will be lost?What happens in the future when new Sun Coke plant ages? Move it to West Chester.
By Norman Rockwell
August 22, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
A handful of individuals showed up, so if a vote was taken, it would pass by at least a margin of 35%. Monroe can spend the money on atttorneys and litigation, but if will have little or no impact on this plant being built. In the end, Middletown will still lose because its reputation for pollution, poor schools, terrible raods, and astonishingly inept city leadership makes it very undesirable for its current residents, let alone those looking in a community.
By Les
August 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
EPA, DON’T APPROVE THAT PERMIT!!!!
Why can’t we attract a 340 million plant that offers us jobs and doesn’t kill us with pollution? I can feel the strangle hold from AK Steel tighten!
Note to black book:
1) City Council: Vote all incumbents out.
By PK
August 22, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
It is amazing to me that we are preached at every day to do our part to help the environment & global warming. We mow our lawn after 6PM, we recycle, ride our bikes, walk & try to do our part. For what? We will never be able to do enough to compensate for the pollution this facility is going to emit. Why bother? Once again it is a do as we say, not as we do mentality.
By mike
August 22, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
I think this is a great place for a new facility , since about every other company has went out of business . If everyone was worried so much there would be complants about all the railroad crossings which are probaly the worst in any city , our school system is among the some of the lowest , crime rate among some of the highest , welfare throughout the whole city , but no we dont need more jobs we need higher crime is what i seeing in middletowns peoples decisions GOOD LUCK SUNCOKE
By VietVet
August 22, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
For all the outrage,the attendance of 90 people from a town of 51,000,+ the surrounding area, is rather disappointing,isn’t it?Based on Haverhill’s pollution numbers,this process would have to be cleaned up quit a bit for people to begin to accept this process.The allowance of 1800 hours per year on the bypass stack is totally unaccept. to me.What is the justification of the bypass for 1800 hours,maintenance?They are allowed to bypass in case of malfunction? Why can’t mal.go to another filter?
By Lisa Frye
August 22, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
Let me be clear - we “foes” are not running out of options. The EPA permit doesn’t protect human health and is based on pollution credits from AK, which have expired. The EPA said at the hearing that they were using SunCoke’s permit application date in March as the date of commencing constuction, but then later couldn’t explain how they made that decision. The law is clear: you have to have all permits, which they don’t - to “commence construction” and the 5 year deadline passed in June 2008.