The company eying Scioto County for a $1 billion coke plant might face Ohio EPA permit problems, but county and legislative officials are taking steps to thwart any delays.

Friday, September 29, 2000

The company eying Scioto County for a $1 billion coke plant might face Ohio EPA permit problems, but county and legislative officials are taking steps to thwart any delays.

Sun Coke officials want to build a coke plant in Haverhill because it’s one of several potential areas that hold promise. Although a decision has not been made, Sun applied for air permits last year in Scioto County.

Sun wants to break ground very soon, but the Ohio EPA has announced "in the 12th hour" a switch in its traditional permitting process, Scioto County economic development coordinator Steve Carter told Lawrence commissioners Thursday.

It was the county’s understanding that once an air permit was approved, a company like Sun Coke could break ground on its plant, then seek the remaining permits – for such things as waste and storm water runoff – during the construction period, Carter said.

Now, because it cites another case where the remaining permits could not be granted during construction, the Ohio EPA might require Sun to have all permits in place before moving forward, he said.

Haverhill is in competition with several other locations in the country, meaning permit delays could cause the Lawrence-Scioto area to lose, Carter added.

"It’s somewhat unfair," Carter said. "And we’re at risk of losing Sun to another state."

Lawrence commissioners reacted with unanimous approval of Carter’s letter of support to state officials, which requests the EPA return to its traditional permit process in this case.

"I also believe this board of commissioners should adopt a resolution in total support of Sun’s plans," commissioner George Patterson said. "With as bad as jobs are needed in this area, I think the EPA needs to get off their horse."

U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland’s office will also work on this relatively new development, the congressman’s spokesperson Jess Goode said this morning.

"Scioto County officials let us know of the concern last week," Goode said, adding that the congressman is ready to help.

"Ted is going to do whatever possible for Sun Coke to put their plant there so southern Ohio can have those jobs."

Other Lawrence officials also are circulating the letter, which will be taken to the state capitol when Scioto County officials visit soon, Carter said.

Sun Coke also will meet with Ohio EPA officials in about two weeks, Carter said.

The air permit has been in EPA hands since December.

Sun officials say they favor Haverhill as a plant because it offers quality infrastructure and transportation, the needed coal supply is nearby and the area has a solid workforce. However, the company remains elusive about its final plans.

A coke plant would employ thousands in both construction jobs and long-term employment.