EPA in Michigan

L'Anse Warden Power Plant

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Air
Water

Clean Air Act Investigation

Residents of L’Anse, Mich., have reported odors and fugitive dust coming from the L’Anse Warden Electric Co. power plant. Under a state permit the utility is allowed to burn for fuel tires and railroad ties treated with creosote and a chemical called pentachlorophenol.

EPA is working closely with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to investigate residents’ concerns, address potential health risks and determine compliance with environmental regulations.

Permit History

Enforcement

Inspections

MDEQ and EPA have conducted on-site inspections of the LWEC plant and fuel aggregate facility since 2015 on the following dates:

July 6-7, 2016 Stack Testing (MDEQ)
May 10, 2016 (EPA)
Aug. 27, 2015 (MDEQ)
Sept. 2, 24 and 28, 2015 (MDEQ)
Oct. 2 and 5, 2015 (MDEQ)
Nov. 16, 2015 (MDEQ)
Dec. 15, 2015 (MDEQ)
Dec. 17, 2015 (EPA)
Jan. 21 and 29, 2016 (MDEQ)
Feb. 1, 4, 7 and 11, 2016 (MDEQ)
March 21, 2016 (MDEQ)
April 5, 2016 (MDEQ)

Information Requests

April 1, 2016: U.S. EPA issued a Section 114 Information Request to LWEC for information to determine whether the emission source is complying with the CAA and the Michigan State Implementation Plan and Renewable Operating Permit Number Ml-ROP-B4260-2011.
Feb. 2, 2016: U.S. EPA issued a Section 114 Information Request to LWEC requesting a number of pieces of information including but not limited to the installation of particulate matter ambient air monitors at the fenceline of the facility.
Nov. 13, 2015: U.S. EPA issued a Section 114 Information Request to LWEC requesting information including, but not limited to, copies of all documentation related to: stack testing, internal audits, emission test runs, emission characterizations, visible emission testing, or emission studies, compliance certifications.

Notices

Sept. 28, 2016: Public Hearing (PDF)(1 pg, 62 K, About PDF) Exit A formal public hearing will be held on Wednesday, Sept 28, 2016. MDEQ previously held an information session on Wednesday, Sept 7, 2016.
Aug. 24, 2016: MDEQ released a Draft Consent Order and Draft Permit to Install Application Exit. The official public comment period is Aug. 24 - Sept. 22, 2016, with a public meeting (if requested) on Sept. 28, 2016.
Feb. 8, 2016: MDEQ issued a Violation Notice to LWEC based on inspector observations of fugitive dust made during inspections on Jan. 27, and Feb. 1 and 4, and 7, 2015.
Dec.1, 2015: MDEQ issued a Violation Notice to LWEC in response to a testing report required under the Renewable Operating Permit.