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Copper Wire Plant Gets Go-Ahead Despite Concerns

The 35-worker factory has been under intense scrutiny from 100 area residents who are concerned about increased pollution.

NEW HAVEN, Ind. (AP) -- Indiana environmental regulators have approved plans for a copper wire plant near Fort Wayne over the protests of more than 100 area residents concerned about increased pollution.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says in a letter to residents that it is required by law to issue the permit as long as the factory in New Haven meets all state and federal emissions rules.

The 35-worker factory is being built by Spanish firm La Farga Group and Steel Dynamics Inc., which owns a nearby aluminum smelting plant.

Resident Celia Garza tells The Journal Gazette (http://bit.ly/pNRP54 ) that she's disappointed the state agency didn't conduct air quality tests that area residents sought.

The copper plant's permit allows emissions including 88 tons of soot and 68 tons of smog-forming chemicals a year.

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