Residents and organizations worried about pollution from Erie Coke get a chance to speak out.
Emissions from that plant have been a concern for years. In 2010, Erie Coke agreed to pay $6 million in fines and replace more than two dozen ovens. The company is now in a permit review process by the state. That’s why a group called ‘Hold Erie Coke Accountable’ held a meeting Thursday night, stressing what they see as big problems.
Environmental Scientist Mike Campbell says, “Erie Coke has a history of violations of its air permit in particular, and the pollutants that come from Erie Coke are not good for people’s health.”
Last night’s meeting comes just days after the shutdown of Tonawanda Coke near Buffalo. That plant, operated by the same parent company as Erie Coke, filed bankruptcy last week.