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.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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