MEADVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Construction has begun on a $350 million tires-to-energy plant in northwestern Pennsylvania, even though the plant's air quality permit is being challenged in court.
Gary Clark, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, tells the Erie Times-News the work being done by Crawford Renewable Energy is legal because the plant's construction permits aren't being challenged. Rather, some Crawford County residents have appealed the air-quality permit issued by the DEP, claiming the plant will produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, mercury and arsenic.
Clark says by building now, the company is risking losing its investment if that permit isn't upheld.
The plantis being built in the Keystone Regional Industrial Park outside Meadville. It would burn about 900 tons of chopped-up waste tires daily to produce enough electricity for about 45,000 homes.
