A proposed final air quality permit for Aluminum Dynamics has been initiated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to start the construction of the recycling plant in Benson. The proposed permits mark a crucial step for the firm as it gears up to construct a large-scale facility in southern Arizona.
As per the draft of ADEQ's permit, the firm is not allowed to start with the facility operations. This is because the firm is required to wait for ADI's approval for the completion of the regulatory review process, alongside any federal or state approvals, before commencing the operations. For completing the review of ADEQ's proposed permit, the Environmental Protection Agency is deemed to have only 45 days.
It has been highlighted by ADEQ that if the proposed permit is approved by EPA after the 45-day review, ADEQ will take up the final decision in issuing the air quality permit. However, if EPA rejects the proposal, ADEQ will address it and try to resolve the objection within the next 90 days prior to ADEQ issuing the approved or denied permit.
An ADEQ official has stated that the permit will be issued after a formal public comment period, along with a feedback form where any changes to the draft permit can be prompted. Earlier this year, in Benson, a public hearing was held, which allowed the community members, both vocally as well as in writing, to share their comments and questions directly with the ADEQ. Owing to this, the agency has submitted a Responsive Summary and a Technical Support document that responds to all the comments made by the members.
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However, the most challenging part is the local residents' rising concern for the possible air and other environmental effects concerning the proposed recycling plant. To this, the officials of Benson took this as an opportunity to drive a higher economic growth for the city.
Misty Bloom, co-founder of Health Over Wealth Benson, stated, "We tend to see ADEQ with their track record as a pay to pollute scam."
A group has taken legal action against the City of Benson’s Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the project. This has come after multiple residents spoke out that the state environmental agency has not properly addressed their concerns.
Kristin Bidegain, who opposes the proposed aluminium recycling facility, commented, "The public has felt ignored."
Due to the rising public concern, Bidegain raised questions about ADEQ's review of the public comments before filing the permit with the authorities.
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Bidegain said, "I'm a little skeptical of how thorough they were in considering the comments and making corrections."
The public has also shown significant concern about the potential impacts of the area's water supply and the San Pedro River.
To this, Bidegain adds, "Sparks the concern over the water table being shallow as is."
Upon questioning, the officials of ADEQ reflected that they have made changes to the proposed final quality permit with reference to the public comments. The impact of the facility on the air quality was analysed with the agency's responses for ensuring the required compliance with the national standards.
On this, Bidegain commented, "The potential to emit tons of hazardous air pollutants, I don't think that's appropriate."
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