IDEM hosting public meeting to discuss East Chicago steel mill air permit

According to an Indiana Department of Environmental Management release, the meeting was prompted by public comment. Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a five-year renewal for the Indiana Harbor air permit. Cleveland-Cliffs acquired the Indiana Harbor steel mills from ArcelorMittal in late 2020, after the permit was last renewed.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management began accepting public comment on the proposed permit renewal Nov. 3. Public comment will close Jan. 16. 

The Jan. 10 public meeting will take place at 6 p.m. in the East Chicago Central High School cafeteria, located at 1100 West Columbus Drive. 

During the meeting, Indiana Department of Environmental Management staff will explain the Cleveland-Cliffs air permit and will answer any questions attendees have. Residents will also be able to submit written comments during the meeting. 

Comments can be mailed to Wilfredo de la Rosa, Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, 100 N. Senate Ave., MC 61-53 IGCN 1003 Indianapolis, IN, or emailed to wdelaros@idem.IN.gov. Members of the public are asked to refer to permit number “T 089-46464-00318” in all written correspondence with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. 

After the public comment period closes Jan. 16, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will issue a Notice of Decision stating whether the permit renewal has been approved or denied. The final decision will include a document that summarizes all of the public comment the Indiana Department of Environmental Management received. The Notice of Decision will be available online at in.gov/idem.