A citizens group continues to prepare a challenge to Erie Coke’s request to renew its operating permit. The group called “Hold Erie Coke Accountable” is waiting for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to hold a hearing on the permit. But, that hearing has been delayed.
It’s been one year since the operating permit for Erie Coke expired, but the gates are still open and the plant remains in production while the permit process takes place.
Over the past year, officials from the DEP have been monitoring the Erie Coke plant and sifting through reports to determine if the company has been meeting the requirements of its operating permit. The officials will determine if Erie Coke will get its permit renewed.
It’s been a long wait for citizens who wonder if the plant takes its environmental obligations seriously. In March 2010, a huge plume of foul black smoke from Erie Coke crossed the bayfront into downtown. That same year, the company agreed to pay a $4 million fine and agreed to meet air quality standards outlined in its operating permit.
Last week, DEP ordered Erie Coke to once again address ongoing violations that have been documented since June 2017. The agency says the violations are similar to those addressed in 2010. Erie Coke has 60 days to submit a plan and schedule to correct the violations.
Dr. Mike Campbell, a leader of the citizens group, wonder if the DEP would immediately lose patience with Erie Coke if the plan is not satisfactory.
“I guess there’s a possibility that they will deny the permit. I guess that’s in their purview,” he said.
