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

Air Enforcement

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 and Reports

Oct. 31, 2016: MDEQ signs a Final Consent Order with LWEC. Part of the Order requires LWEC to install an enclosure around parts of the fuel handling process.
Oct. 31, 2016: MDEQ issues Permit-to-Install 67-16 to LWEC. The permit no longer allows LWEC to burn pentachlorophenol treated railroad ties. MDEQ provided a Response to Comments on the permit.
Sept. 28, 2016: Public Hearing - A formal public hearing was held Sept. 28, 2016. An information session was previously held Sept. 7, 2016.
Aug. 24, 2016: MDEQ released a Draft Consent Order and Draft Permit to Install Application. The official public comment period was Aug. 24 - Sept. 22, 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. 17, 2015: EPA conducted an inspection of the LWEC facility
Dec.1, 2015: MDEQ issued a Violation Notice to LWEC in response to a testing report required under the Renewable Operating Permit.