BENSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — On Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued its proposed final air quality permit to Aluminum Dynamics Inc., allowing the company to begin construction on its planned recycling plant in Benson.
According to the ADEQ's draft permit, the company cannot begin operations of the facility. ADI must await completion of the regulatory review process and any additional state or federal approvals before operating the facility. The Environmental Protection Agency has 45 days to review the ADEQ's proposed permit.
According to the ADEQ, "If EPA approves the proposed final air quality permit after its required 45-day review, ADEQ will make a final decision to issue the air quality permit. If EPA objects to the proposed final air quality permit, ADEQ must address and resolve EPA’s objections within 90 days before ADEQ can either issue the final air quality permit or deny the permit."
Officials with ADEQ say the permit comes after a formal public comment period and that feedback from that process prompted changes to the draft permit. A public hearing was held in Benson earlier this year, allowing members of the community to formally submit verbal comments and questions to the ADEQ. Community members were also able to submit written comments as well. The agency published a Responsiveness Summary and a Technical Support Document— responding to all of the comments they received.
Under federal procedures, ADEQ has submitted the proposed final permit and supporting documents to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a 45‑day review period. If the EPA raises no objections, ADEQ can move to make the permit final. If the EPA objects, ADEQ must address the agency’s concerns and revise the permit accordingly, the notice states.
Local residents have raised questions about the air and environmental impacts of the proposed recycling plant. City of Benson officials have told KGUN they see this as an opportunity for economic growth for the city.
"We tend to see ADEQ with their track record as a pay to pollute scam," said Misty Bloom, co-founder of Health Over wealth Benson.
The group is suing the City of Benson’s Planning and Zoning Commission over the project.
Many residents said they feel the state environmental agency has overlooked their concerns about the project.
"The public has felt ignored," said Kristin Bidegain, who opposes the proposed aluminum facility.
Bidegain questioned how thoroughly ADEQ reviewed the public comments before issuing the permit.
"I'm a little skeptical of how thorough they were in considering the comments and making corrections," Bidegain said.
Community members have raised particular concerns about potential impacts to the area's water supply and the nearby San Pedro River.
"Sparks the concern over the water table being shallow as is," Bidegain said.
ADEQ officials sad they made changes to the proposed final air quality permit based on public comments. The agency's responses analyzed the facility's impact to air quality to ensure compliance with national standards.
The agency's analyses check that the facility's emissions won't pollute the environment, plants, soil, crops and water, according to ADEQ.
"The potential to emit tons of hazardous air pollutants, I don't think that's appropriate," Bidegain said.
Councilwoman Cindy Tapia said she has concerns about air, water, the San Pedro River and anyone who will be exposed to contaminants. Councilman Darren Hayes declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.
Mayor Joe Konrad and the rest of the council did not respond to KGUN9 News reporter Andrew Christiansen’s inquiry about their reaction.
"City council, man you guys had a lot of back and forth but not so much correspondents to the residents of this town," Bloom said.
Aluminum Dynamics' operations manager declined to provide a statement or interview, saying he would relay questions to corporate leadership.
"To ADI, pick another spot," Bloom said.
The Environmental Protection Agency still must review the permit for 45 days before making a decision. If the EPA approves the permit, ADEQ will have the final say. If the EPA rejects it, ADEQ must address the federal agency's concerns within 90 days, though ADEQ retains final authority over the permit.
"Residents of Arizona can't depend on a state agency like ADEQ to protect us and protect our public health," Bloom said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
----
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
- Download our free app for Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, Alexa, and mobile devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
