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About a dozen people attended a public forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to provide comments to the Ohio Power Siting Board at the Middletown City Building.

However, only one resident, Robert Snook, commented on the record before an administrative law judge about Knoxville, Tenn.-based SunCoke Energy's proposed electric co-generation plant that is part of the $350 million coke making plant.

Snook, a former coke plant superintendent at the AK Steel's Middletown Works coke plant and a Lemon Twp. trustee, has been a vocal opponent of the proposed project.

Snook said the board should not approve the request of SunCoke's local company, Middletown Coke Co., because the project was not using the best technology available. He also said it will create more pollution in a non-attainment area and that there is the possibility that consumers will get stuck with paying more for electricity because AK Steel, a large user, won't be buying as much from Duke Energy.

Two others, lawyers Christopher Walker and Frank Schiavone, spoke but reserved comment until Thursday, when all of the parties will meet in Columbus for a pre-trial conference.

Walker is representing the city of Monroe while Schiavone is representing himself as his home is located adjacent to the property where the plant and its ancillary operations will be constructed.

A state Power Siting Board staff report recommended approving the certificate of environmental compatibility and public need with several conditions.

Administrative Law Judge Andy Farkas said following Thursday's pre-trial conference a hearing will be scheduled in Columbus.

Following that hearing, Farkas will make a recommendation to the state Power Siting Board. If the recommendation is accepted and approved by the board, the certificate will be issued to begin construction.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2871 or erichter@coxohio.com.