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Basketball Preview
Getting animated See Family A supplement to The Press Newspapers December 4, 2017
Jacob Plantz Cover photo: Genoa junior guard by Russ Lytle) p ((Press file photo
RESS January 15, 2018
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EPA to hold hearing for East Toledo plant By Kelly J. Kaczala News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public information meeting and hearing on Thursday, Jan. 18, at Waite High School regarding a draft air emissions permit for an iron briquette manufacturing facility in Toledo. The IronUnits plant plans to locate on the former Ironville Terminal Brownfield site at Front Street and Mllard Avenue in East Toledo. The public can submit comments for the record concerning the draft permit. The public information session and hearing starts at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria of the high school, 301 Morrison Drive, Toledo. If approved, the permit would allow the $700 million project to move forward with the construction of a 2.48 million tons-peryear hot briquetted iron and direct reduced iron manufacturing facility, according to the Ohio EPA. The plan will use a reformer fueled by natural gas and a shaft furnace. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxides, particulate matter and green house gas pollutants are expected to be emitted, along with minor quantities of other pollutants.
Taster’s choice
Area teenagers got a warm-up from the cold weather at Oregon Branch Library’s Taster’s Choice. Top photo, Celina Martinez, a student at Eisenhower takes a careful sip of her concoction of milk, crushed peppermint, chocolate chips and whipped cream. Bottom photo, librarian Connie Herrera pours out chocolate chips for Antonio Toth, left, and Blake Chesick, both students at Cardinal Stritch. (Press photos by Ken Grosjean)
Computer modeling Computer modeling was conducted to ensure local air quality will be protected. Dina Pierce, media coordinator for the Northwest and Southwest districts of the Ohio EPA, said computer modeling has been done for many years and is a routine part of Ohio EPA’s permitting process. “It uses the calculated maximum potential emissions for each pollutant and current air quality data for the area and predicts (models) the impact on local air quality,” Pierce told The Press last week. “Ohio EPA and Toledo Environmental Services staff use the resulting information to make sure air quality standards protective of human health and the environment will be maintained if the emission sources is constructed.” If the permit is approved, the total maximum air emissions would be limited to protect public health and the environ-
Oregon OKs messaging boards By Kelly J. Kaczala Press News Editor kkaczala@presspublications.com Oregon City Council on Monday approved the purchase and installation of two monument signs with electronic messaging centers at the city’s municipal complex. The contract amount to Reason Sign Company, 2115 Loxley Road, Toledo, was $58,750.
Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm
The city provided specifications to three vendors, and Reason Sign Company provided the best quote. The quote from Reason Sign Company was about $500 more than Allen industries, and the quote from Toledo sign was over $15,000 higher, according to City Administrator Mike Beazley. “This is a substantial investment for the city,” stated Beazley in a Jan. 8 memo to council. “Research was completed on each of the vendors to determine which could
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provide a product that not only the city could be proud to display but quick turnaround service should the need arise.” In viewing other signs the vendors had manufactured and installed, as well as talking with customers of the vendors, the city chose Reason Sign Company as its lowest and best bidder to manufacture, build and install these signs, added Beazley. “The company has local sign installations in the city that we feel will mirContinued on page 6
ment. Ohio EPA does not have regulatory authority over issues such as siting, eminent domain, setbacks to homes, schools or businesses, noise levels, traffic, zoning or property value effects. Pierce said the company already has a wastewater discharge permit for non-contact cooling water, and is processing other permits as well. “Ohio EPA is processing permit applications for wetlands impacts and wastewater pretreatment,” she said. “The facility’s wastewater, after pretreatment, would be discharged to Toledo’s sanitary sewer system for further treatment. Also, every construction project of one acre or more in Ohio requires a construction storm water permit to make sure storm water runoff from the construction activity is controlled. Ohio EPA is processing this permit.” Regular monitoring Pierce said the Ohio EPA will be monitoring pollution emitted at the plant. “Once the facility is constructed and begins operations, the company has one year to apply for an operating permit. Before issuing the operating permit, the company is required to complete the initial stack testing requirements contained in the permit-to-install to verify the emissions are within predicted levels and are protective of local air quality. Ohio EPA will determine the frequency of additional emissions testing requirements after the results of the initial stack tests are reviewed. Additionally, the facility would be required to perform daily checks to make sure the emission units and the emission control systems are operating properly, keep records and file operation reports with Ohio EPA. Finally, Ohio EPA or Toledo Division of Environmental Services, will conduct periodic facility inspections to ensure proper operations and record keeping,” said Pierce. Written comments are considered the same as oral testimony presented at the hearing. They must be received by the close of business on Jan. 22, of this year. Comments can be mailed to Matt Stanfield, Toledo Division of Environmental Services, 348 S. Erie St., Toledo, 43604, or emailed to Matthew.Stanfield@toledo.oh.gov. Continued on page 2
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We shouldn’t be forcing people to vote to maintain the right to vote. Joe Helle See page 5