Asarco Moves Closer To Gaining Permit For El Paso Smelter
EL PASO, Texas (AP) – An Arizona mining company moved closer to obtaining a permit to resume operations at an El Paso copper smelter that’s been closed since 1999.
A report released yesterday by the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends renewing Asarco’s air quality permit — but only if the Tucson-based company ensures that it “maintains effective pollution control equipment and practices.”
Among the measures recommended are development of a plan for repairs to its acid plants and thorough inspection of certain electric systems. Asarco attorney Doug McAllister says the conditions laid out in the 30-page report are what Asarco would expect to face before restarting the plant.
The report must be approved by the TCEQ commissioners. Public comment will be accepted on the findings through June 18 and a public meeting on the permit renewal will be held.
Environmentalists and some civic leaders have urged the state to reject Asarco’s permit because of possible environmental hazards.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-05-02-07 0615EDT
