Tonawanda Coke to meet with DEC about whether required air permit will be revoked

Tonawanda Coke has another key hearing this week. It's one that could determine whether the company's River Road plant can continue to operate.

Wednesday's hearing with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) concerns the plant's Title V air permit, and whether it will be revoked. The permit is required under the Clean Air Act for companies that emit pollutants.

In September, a judge ruled that Tonawanda Coke could remain open despite finding it guilty of violating the terms of its probation. The judge said the opacity of the emissions was darker than legally allowed, but also determined there was not enough evidence to say the thicker smoke was hazardous to neighbors or the environment.

Preceding the court ruling were attempts by the DEC and federal prosecutors to shut Tonawanda Coke down.

Ahead of the hearing, concerned neighbors are invited to a community meeting about Tonawanda Coke that Citizen Science Community Resources is holding. It goes from 6:30-7:30pm Monday, at the Burger King on Grand Island Boulevard in Grand Island. Organizers said it's a chance to ask questions and form a plan for how Tonawanda and Grand Island will move forward.

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