This is an important time in the history of the Erie Coke plant. The company is applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for a renewal of its operating permit. However, the plant has received numerous citations from the DEP for pollution violations. There’s been 6 violations so far this month.
Citizens are now speaking up against the plant. Erie Mayor Joe Schember and Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper have both called for Erie Coke to abide by the terms of its operating permit or shut down. Never before have top local elected officials spoken negatively about the plant.
Erie Coke does have supporters. They say the plant provides good paying jobs and should be left alone.
The DEP will value the opinions of the public as the permit renewal process takes its course. Could this soon be the end of the historic, yet notorious, coke plant along the city’s waterfront?
