The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will hold a public meeting and hearing on August 30, to discuss ArcelorMittal’s proposed revision to an air quality permit for the Monessen Coke Plant in Monessen, Westmoreland County.

The 1 p.m. meeting will be at DEP’s Southwest Regional Office at 400 Waterfront Drive in Pittsburgh.

“Staff from DEP’s Air Quality program will discuss ArcelorMittal’s proposed revision to the facility’s operating permit, as well as what the next steps are,” DEP Southwest Regional Director Susan Malone said.

ArcelorMittal is seeking to revise the plant’s Reasonably Available Control Technology operating permit, which outlines what technically and economically feasible emission control measures are available for the facility. The company is seeking to increase allowable emissions of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds from the plant’s two coke oven batteries.

The Monessen Coke Plant recovers by-products from the coking process, in which high quality coal is heated to more than 1,000 degrees in an oxygen-free oven environment. Emissions at the plant come from the coke oven battery stacks that power the coking process.

Should DEP grant the revisions to the permit, Pennsylvania’s State Implementation Plan would need to be revised. The plan details how the state is complying with and enforcing the federal Clean Air Act.

The hearing will offer an opportunity for the public to present testimony about these revisions. Oral testimony will be limited to five minutes for each presenter. Those presenting testimony should provide two written copies of their remarks at the time of the hearing.

Members of the public who wish to present testimony at the public hearing should contact John Poister at 412-442-4203 to register, or sign up at the hearing.

For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted to Barbara Hatch, PA DEP Air Quality Program, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, by October 1, when the public comment period closes.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact John Poister or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

Copies of the company’s application, DEP’s analysis and other documents used in the evaluation of the application are available for review at DEP’s Southwest Regional Office.

8/20/2012