Proposed ADEQ rules for limiting smelter lead dust, sulfur dioxide emissions open to public comment
Interested parties have until Jan. 9 to provide input on regs affecting Hayden, Miami copper smelters
b| Copper Area
Asarco’s Hayden Smelter/Copper Area
Citizens and businesses have the opportunity to comment on proposed rules drafted by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for significantly decreasing the release two types of pollutants from copper smelters in Hayden and Miami to within federal regulations adopted since 2008.
The rules are aimed at reducing the release of airborne lead dust from the Hayden smelter (owned by ASARCO) and the release of sulfur dioxide from the smelters in Hayden and Miami (the latter owned by Freeport-McMoRan) in order to protect the public health and environment. They cover the use of specific control technologies and include record keeping and reporting requirements.
ADEQ opened the comment period on December 5. Interested parties will have until January 9, 2017 to file comments on the proposed rules, after which ADEQ will hold a public hearing to address any concerns and draft the final rules. Once finalized, the rules will be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for incorporation in Arizona’s State Implementation Plan as required under Section 110 of the Clean Air Act.
