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COMMENT: "What do you think of the possible venture?
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — The potential development of a new $300 million coke oven facility just off Ohio 4 shows AK Steel Corp.'s long-term commitment to Middletown, city officials say.
News surfaced late Tuesday, March 4, of a potential partnership between AK Steel and Tennessee-based SunCoke Energy that could result in the building of a facility in Middletown that would manufacture metallurgical coke and regenerate steam and heat into electricity. The facility could produce about 50 to 100 jobs, according to Middletown Planning Director Marty Kohler.
Extras
The "state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly" plant is targeted for 157 acres between Ohio 4 and the MADE Industrial Park, near Garden Manor Retirement Village and Amanda Elementary School.
Thomas Golembeski, corporate spokesman for SunCoke, said the plant, which would be contiguous to AK's Middletown Works mill, would be built, owned and operated by SunCoke. He said AK Steel would make a long-term commitment with SunCoke to purchase all coke produced by the plant as well as all of the power it generates.
"The project is still being developed and neither AK nor SunCoke has made any final decisions or received any approvals from their respective boards of directors," Golembeski said. "We're moving ahead and working very closely with AK Steel and we would like to see the project be developed."
AK Steel currently operates two coke plants, which together provide 75 percent of the metallurgical coke needed for its Middletown and Ashland, Ky. blast furnaces, according to Alan McCoy, AK's vice president of government and public relations.
"The proposed project would provide adequate coke to meet AK Steel's current requirements outside its existing capacity," McCoy said in a written statement released Wednesday evening. "AK Steel has no plans to idle any of its cokemaking capacity in the event the proposed project is consummated."
Scott Rich, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943, said he believes the deal would be good for the city and for the union.
He said the new plant would decrease costs and increase production. He said it would also provide the Machinists with an opportunity to unionize workers at SunCoke's facility.
Potential investment speaks volumes
Charles Bradford, an steel analyst with Bradford Research in New York, said the deal would be good for AK because coke is hard to come by. Bradford said AK is currently having to purchase coke from outside sources because the company is not producing enough on its own — a point confirmed by Rich, of the Machinists.
City leaders were trumpeting the news today, saying if the project comes to fruition, it should put to rest any questions about the steelmaker's commitment to Middletown.
"It sends a clear message that AK is here to stay," said Middletown Councilman David Schiavone. "This would be a huge benefit to our community psychologically and financially."
Councilwoman Anita Scott Jones added: "The fact that they would make an investment like this in Middletown to me speaks volumes."
Most of the news surrounding AK, one of Middletown's two largest employers, during the past five years hasn't been pleasant for the local economy. Job cuts, a yearlong lockout and the moving of its corporate headquarters from Curtis Street to West Chester Twp. have been economic black eyes for this city of 51,000.
But a new coke plant would give life to the rhetoric that council members have been peddling about Middletown turning the economic corner.
Mayor Lawrence P. Mulligan Jr. who touted a number of Middletown's recent economic development successes during his State of the City speech in February said this investment would be on par with the construction of the new Atrium Medical Center on Union Road just off Interstate 75. He said it also shows that Middletown is becoming a player again not just regionally, but statewide.
"It shows that there is some renewed interest in doing some things here in Middletown," Mulligan said. "I'm real encouraged by that."
"For the last three years all you heard about and read about was all the industry shutting down and moving," said Councilman Jim Armbruster. "But so far this year, for the first time, you are hearing something positive.
"I've been excited about this project since day one, and I'm going to do whatever it takes on my behalf as a council member to make this happen," Armbruster said. "We have turned the corner, but we've got to keep going. We can't lean back. There's a lot of potential out there and I think you are going to see more happening in Middletown."
Public hearing set for rezoning
But first and foremost, the 157 acres where the plant would be built has to be approved for rezoning. Middletown Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. March 12 at the Middletown City Building, One Donham Plaza, to rezone the proposed area from residential to general industrial.
Kohler said the city had originally targeted the land for an industrial park when it adopted its 2005 Master Plan. However, the Middletown City Schools asked the city not to rezone the land at the time because the district was looking at the site as a possibility for a new high school. The district later decided to look at other locations.
Kohler said the city decided to get the land rezoned so that it conforms to the master plan.
On Wednesday, Bill Murphy, Middletown's economic development director, said the MADE Industrial Park is one of, but not the only site being considered for the SunCoke project.
"The rezoning of the property is certainly an important and required first step in the development process. There are still several more steps necessary before this or any other project could move forward on the site," Murphy said.
"We are actively doing everything we can, including working with the state and other regulatory agencies, to keep Middletown as SunCoke's preferred location."
As part of the assessment, representatives of the city will be traveling to see a similar plant in Haverhill, Ohio, in Scioto County, also owned and operated by SunCoke Energy.
"This project would be a major step in diversifying and modernizing our local economy, one of three of the city's majro objectives in its Master Plan. It also is consistent with our economic development priorities, which seek to attract investments in advanced materials and manufacturing," Murphy said.
Not in my backyard
Letters were sent out last week notifying property owners adjacent to the proposed plant, and already there are rumblings from a few homeowners that the rezoning will be contested. Frank Schiavone, an attorney, property owner in the affected area and the older brother of David Schiavone, said he will do everything in his power to fight the proposal.
Robert and Carol Cowman, of Hamilton-Middletown Road, own three acres about 100 feet from the proposed site, where they just remodeled their home. They said they are afraid that the proposed coke oven would destroy the value of their home and their ability to sell it.
"We put a lot of heart, soul and money into this," Carol Cowman said of their home which actually sits in the Monroe city limits. "I can't imagine them putting something like this in a residential area."
Schiavone said the project would go through all the proper hearings and that the planning commission would hear all sides of the issue before making any recommendation to the council.
Coke plant would be clean
Thomas Golembeski, of SunCoke, said it's still too early to say how many jobs might be created as a result of the new plant. He also said he could not comment on the size of the facility.
Kohler said AK Steel and SunCoke are looking at developing a new technology coke oven that would capture the byproducts of making coke and use the steam and heat to generate electricity.
According to SunCoke Energy's Web site, its technology is one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity as it complies with the U.S. Clean Air Act's 1990 amendment as the maximum achievable control technology for making coke.
Its air emissions are low as most are incinerated during the process. In addition, there are no wastewater discharges and no hazardous solid wastes or sludge, according to its Web site.
SunCoke Energy operates plants in Vitoria, Brazil, Vansant, Va., East Chicago, Ill,, and Haverhill, Ohio. The Haverhill plant was commissioned in 2005, according to the Web site. The plants produce more than 4.3 million tons of coke each year. SunCoke Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunoco, Inc.
Kohler said AK Steel is one of the largest users of natural gas and electricity in southwest Ohio. He said the new process would offset the cost of producing coke.
He also pointed out that there was a tremendous amount of regulations at the state and federal level to open up any type of electric generation plant.
Golembeski said SunCoke would need to have the proper local, state and federal permits in place before moving forward.
"A lot of things have to happen before this becomes a reality," said Schiavone.
AK performing well
Things have gone well for AK since it ended the lockout of hourly workers at Middletown Works on Feb. 28, 2007. The steelmaker reported record profits in 2007 and its stock has risen from $20.16 to more than $50 a share.
The steel producer's stock rose Wednesday, March 5, as an investor group boosted its stake in AK Steel Holding Corp. to 11.8 percent from 9.1 percent. Shares hit a new high of $55.51 on Tuesday following AK's announcement of a $375 per ton April surcharge. The stock price was at $55.04 in midday trading.
While a new coke plant could save AK money, Bradford said its unlikely that it would greatly impact the company's stock price because it was not "a company-changing event."
Journal reporters Ed Richter and Jessica Lander contributed to this report.
Comments
By Dnozz
January 22, 2010 10:51 PM | Link to this
If the citizens of Middletown know what’s best, they’ll fight to the bitter end to keep SunCoke out. This company is led by corrupt individuals, such as Delauna Pack, who lie about the company’s ability to control air pollution emissions. Just look at the performance of the Haverhill plant, which has 4 notices of violation in the past year and numerous deviations and malfunctions. The leadership team at SunCoke should be behind bars instead of playing masters of the universe.
By Karl Sturk
April 7, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this
i think we should all just go to www.savebutler.org
By AKTheBest
March 24, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
The new Coke Plant is the best thing to happen to this hole of a town. The job’s will start out at $22.00 an hour and go up every year they are employed there. It would be nice if they could strike iron ore in town and dig up the whole city?? Trucking company’s will prosper-soon Middletown will be know as the fastest growing city in the USA.
By Jeffery Snook
February 27, 2009 1:21 AM | Link to this
The new Suncoke plant idea is a bad one. Monroe has nothing to gain from it except alot of air pollution. An extremely small percentage of AK steel’s employees live in Monroe so Monroe does not need Suncoke to continue growing. If Middletown wants the Suncoke plant then let them build it on current AK property and reap the air pollution benefits of the project along with the economic benefits (approx. 70 jobs) that it will bring.
By Precious Labre
February 12, 2009 12:47 PM | Link to this
T2
By Monroe city council
February 9, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this
We fight this with every tax dollar we have. We will lose this battle but no one can say we didn’t try to stop it after we spend over 1 million dollars.
By Concerned
December 30, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
If I am not mistaken, when the lockout occured not only the employees suffered but local business suffered also. If the Coke plant is not built, and AK Steel shuts down, what will happen to Middletown? It has already been named one of the fastest dying cities in America because of the lack of decent paying jobs and the lack of education. How will this affect the community financially? With the way the economy is right now can we afford this?
By asjxmt dlqyg
December 26, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
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By xtsqcur xdopcjv
December 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
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By Mike Bolen
December 23, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I am having a hard time finding information about the proposed location of the AK Steel Coke Plant. Recently I have noticed surveyors stakes in a large field directly out my front window. My son learned from an AK employee that within 3 years the plant will be up and running. Can you point me to a source of information regarding the new plant. What I’m I missing that I can’t find anything but old articles stating the location to be a 157 acre site off route 4. What’s the true story.
By bxguke khou
December 22, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
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By swgpd thpdfzn
December 22, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
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By ICan'tBreathe
December 3, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Go to city of Middletown’s home page, under August 18th council meetings workbooks and read Doug McNeil, CEO of Atrium Medical Center, letter supporting Middletown Coke Company’s proposed facility. A hospital administrator supporting 2700 tons per year of pollution affecting the health of elderly in a care facility, a thriving residential area and 2 schools. Mr. McNeil is insuring his facility a steady stream of patients and income. Forget the notion of preventative medicine.
By Wesley Thornton
November 30, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget about the new $28 million school that we just built. That coke plant will be a major respiratory hazard for all our kids going there. Not to mention what a real treat attending a friday night football game will smell like during the quenching process. After all, the school and the coke plant are only 1/4 mile apart. It isn’t uncommon for the wind to tack NW to SE.
By Wesley Thornton
November 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
For years AK steel has had a policy of incorprating the annual EPA fine into their budget. When asked why they won’t clean up the mess, they cite “The cost of compliance will put us out of business.” Who thinks that AK will “go green” with this cavalier attitude? I certainly don’t.
By SillyMe
November 27, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
The City of Middletown is a dying town, by working so closely with the AK management it’s obvious the City Council would rather be in bed with the disease than take two steps out of their way to find the cure.
By ICan'tBreathe
September 24, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Go to Ohio Power Siting Board for the Middletown Coke Company application, htpp://www.opsb.ohio.gov Let’s hear a BIG thank you to Monroe City Council for stepping up to protect their residents by insuring AK Steel and Suncoke follow the law; unlike Middletown City Council’s ongoing careless disregard for their residents, particularly Amanda and Oneida neighborhoods.
By Norman Griffin
September 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
no…No….NO!!!
This company has already poisoned the city with bad negotiations, outsourcing (at the expense of many of its most productive citizens)and these were your neighbors, and lack of any moral and decent respect for this city. Thousands of your neighbors were financialy destroyed by this company. Don´t let them poison the air or the environment that your families (your children deserve better)live in any further. This company no longer deserves this communities support….
By ICan'tBreathe
September 13, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
SunCoke halts site work, waits for final permit…reads the 9/13 headline.
“We hope this helps alleviate the citizen concerns and demonstrate our commitment to working with the community and the OEPA,” she said, Dalauna Pack, SunCoke representative. No Dalauna you stopped because you were breaking the law. If you were a “good neighbor” you would have adhered to the rules and not have begun construction until the necessary permits were issued.
By CMS
September 11, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Shame on Middletown City Schools and the Board of Education for not speaking out against this proposed facility being built right next to an elementary school. Absolutely unbelieveable that you are keeping quiet during this entire process. Parents of the Amanda school community, I urge you to express your frustration.
By Regret moving here
September 10, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
The residents of Middletown must have a short memory. They are all about bending backwards for AK but have forgotten the lockout that devastated so many people. Also, they have forgotten how AK moved their highest paid jobs to West Chester. Where’s their loyalty to us, the citizens of Middletown? They don’t care about this city. I am tired of the council bowing down to them. It is disgusting!! If they get their plant, who’s to say they won’t pick up and leave tomorrow. Wake up Middletown!
By William
September 9, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Look at what you are living with now.Maybe wiping off your car every morning from the pollutant is common for you, but it’s not normal and this type of living needs to be corrected NOW.ak needs stricter regulations and higher fines to actually make an impact on the wrong doings of there business. Why do we not see these executives building next to the possible coke/current steel plant? Because its not there health at risk! Also,Springboro,OH look at where the smoke travels- in your backyard.
By Karen
September 7, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
I will sale them my nice home for a very reasonale price so that one of their workers can walk to work. New furnace, new windows etc.
By melissam
August 4, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Just wondering, How much monetary growth is expected in your area (or has already come in) from SunCoke’s venture? I am researching their corporation and I am trying to get some community input.
Melissa
By Keith
July 17, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Its time for people of Middletown to stop bowing down to AK Steel. Yes they are #1 in Middletown but when is it going to stop letting “THEM” (AK)control this city. Are we going to continue letting them make there threats about shuting down if they dont get there way? Come on think people.It wont happen. Did AK care that we lost tax money when they decided to move there office’s to West Chester? Not at all. Guess its closer for the Hot shots that run AK to drive.Or should I say there driver?
By Jean
July 4, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
City Council take note in the event you’ve not read the Declaration of Indepenence lately or perhaps ever.
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.”
It’s clear that one of the reasons the rezoning ordinance was passed as an emergency was to allow the set back rules to be tossed out without the possiblity of contention by any party. You knew the facility wouldn’t fit in the proposed area. Your decision to build Sun Coke’s facility in the proposed location violates peoples rights. It is now apparent to the public that these proceedings have been a sham.
You City Council have been exposed!
By Chase
July 4, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
I read a few statements about more jobs, is not the new coke plant automated? And would take less people to run it?. After it is up and running will not AK close there coke plant? If so that would mean Middletown will end up with fewer jobs in the long run? Could someone please help me understand this if it is different than the above questions?
By Britney
May 10, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
I just got a job at Garden Manor and I am starting to care alot about the residents. Some have lived there for almost 20 years and now they will have to move their home because of where they want to put this coke plant. How will we tell them they will be forced to move? Also there is 400 employees with Garden Manor some of which have been there 20 or so years and will be out of a job. The houses near by will decrease in value by thousands. Would u wanna live by a coke plant??
By jane doe
May 9, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Put the coke plant next door to the AK big shots that live in West Chester.
By Smarter than the EPA
April 8, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Be sure to read my comments starting with my first one. I know all of this information because I am working with a group of highly educated people trying to reverse the detrimental effects caused by the coke plant in Indianapolis. It is impossible to make everything healthy again but we are doing our best to make the nearly 160 acres that the coke plant occupied suitable for the public to occupy. It will take 5 to 6 years and millions of dollars just to repair the serious damage caused.
By Smarter than the EPA
April 8, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
for a very large percentage. A public school nearby had to be shut down because of the health concerns. That school had the highest rate of respiratory problems compared to the entire city. Benzene is a known Carcinogen. I have a list several pages thick of all of the chemicals released into the surrounding area due to the coke plant. Please take this proposal seriously because yes it may create jobs but it will likely make you have a shorter life.
By Smarter than the EPA
April 8, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
“should cause no health concerns”, that comment is a joke. Public officials just see $$$$$$$, and they are blinded by everything else. For those of you directly affected by this, look into the Citizens Gas Coke Plant located on the near southeast side of Indianapolis. The coke plant is now shut down due to multi million dollar loss in revenue. And because it was killing the surrounding 1/2 mile radius. The amount of benzene released in the air because of the plant caused severe breathing…
By Tony
March 16, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
The Coke Plant should be built on AK Property. There are several locations that would be better than building it near Garden Manor & Amanda School. Build it 1) where Old #2 Open Hearth stood. 2) finish tearing down the old coke Battery that was partialy torn down 10 years ago & build it next to the exsisting Coke Battery. 3)Across Oxford state road from AK Steel. 4)West Chester next to AK New Office. 5) Indian Hills next door to James Wainscott 6 Million dollar Home he built.
By voice of reason
March 16, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Jobs are wonderful things to have in a City everyone needs a job, however look at the facts.
1) Consider how nasty, noisy and ugly a conveyor belt to feed the coke to AK Steel across Yankee and Oxford State will be. Is this what the City of Middletown residents want. 2) If you take the time to read the City of Middletown’s Master Plan (that was paid for by City tax dollars) there are NUMEROUS indications by professionals that state the City should concentrate on “Brownfield” redevelopment
By Dhara Parmar
March 16, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Can you please send me the list of various industries affliated or using coke oven?
By mac
March 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Yes David people that work do pay taxes, but how many tax dollars are you going to get off of 50 to 100 $10.00 per hour jobs? It will cost the city more than what can be gained, city services such as fire, police. public works, etc. cost money.
By Bob
March 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Let Middletown grow!! After all Monroe is already a “dead spot” on the map and will continue to rot in the future.
By David
March 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
GM and Suncoke mean jobs and if I’m not mistaken, people with jobs pay taxes.
By enough
March 12, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Dont give way to AK Steel for anything, NOTHING!!!! They shafted the retirees and they will do the same to you and anyone else. They don’t care for anyone except their own self. Money is their only concern. This coke plant will be no different than the one they now have. They have land where the old #2 open hearth use to be, they can build it there.
By mc
March 12, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
SunCoke doesn’t want Monroe to have to supply them with water, sewers or anything else. Because they sure won’t get it. I’ve lived in Monroe for 19 yrs. now and have no water, sewers or anything else except their TAXES. Have to pay $3.00 a month added to garbage bill for sewers we don’t even have. What a rip off and all of us D—B people in Monroe pay it. They can afford new city building, new fire stations and what a joke historical building but they won’t get water and sewers for some.
By mac
March 12, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
The GM deal was only a good deal for GM NOT Monroe. I am glad that the leaders of Monroe said no. GM wanted a 10 year zero tax deal, how is this good for Monroe, and after that 10 years GM would have moved to the next town willing to give them a zero tax deal and left behind an empty building.
By David
March 12, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
They blew the GM deal now they are going to blow this deal. What’s wrong with you people.
By Never Forget
March 12, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Why don’t AK build this coke battery over in West Chester, They seem to like it better over there anyway. Don’t forget Middletown council, AK management turned it’s back on Middletown and now it wants favors. There will be no jobs gain because once the new coke battery is done the old one in Middletown works will be shut down and those jobs will be lost. The battery in Middletown works only has permits to run for another 2 or 3 years and then it has to be shut down.
By small business owner
March 12, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
To pass up this economic opportunity for Middletown and the surrounding area would be irresponsible on the part of our elected city council. Middletown is in desparate need of new business interest and development. Employees working at the new facility would be paying payroll taxes to the city of Middletown, shopping at our stores, eating at our restaurants and buying our homes. This could only help to increase the value of our local real estate.
By Ron
March 12, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
If AK and Sun Coke Energy want to build a new coke oven why don’t they use ground on AK property like maybe where the #2 Open Hearth was.Looks to me like there is alot of room on AK property for this plant.
By mee also
March 12, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
This is wonderful that AK wants to add jobs in the area, as far as the realestate going down don’t you think its aready being hit hard. As far as for Monroe, you are not the big city yet, you keep wanting to turn down all these companies to come into your city and they go elswhere. Your actions remind me of Springboro, they turn down everything but a Pizza shop or a Bank. You need to wake up and leave other City alone, if they want to put something in their town then they should able to.
By jim
March 12, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
one person said good paying wage’s yes indeed. non-union at the lowest wage possible. as far as location, how about at the ak steel site all you have to do is demo some of the old building no longer in use(location, location). this will kill garden manor for do you believe people would like to put their loved one in a home next to an industrial health hazard. sounds like a pretty good trade open one business kill another. good day
By Not A Happy Camper
March 9, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
To Jason, Stop our complaining, do you live in the area that is being proposed, I don’t think so. How can you even dare to say that we are complaining? I feel, we as the people being affected by this are sticking up for what believe in and what is right. SunCoke building in our family’s backyards is not just morally wrong to the people living there but to also the residents that do not have a voice such as the wildlife and family pets.
By Jason
March 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I think it would be good to have more jobs in the cincinnati and dayton area. Yes there might be some down sides to what Ak steel and Sun Coke is offing. But people, stop your conplaining, be happy that Ak Steel wants to operate in Middletown, Ohio. Thats more good paying jobs for everone to work.
By Concerned
March 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Businesses like AK and Sunoco have the money and the means to do whatever they want. After the long fiasco concerning the pollution of Dick’s Creek, why would they want to put more risk behind the elementary school again? There is plenty of room east of Yankee Road and north of Todhunter Road that is available. Think about the children and long time residents for a change, instead of the bottom line. We have to live here around this stuff.
By Been There Done That
March 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Look out school districts. Do you hear that big sucking sound? The company will make a profit and you will not get any taxes.
‘Ament said the state “aggressively pursues opportunities for growth” and stands ready to assist the city and the companies with the project, possibly including tax incentives, she said.’
She’s right, the state will stick it to the community as well.
By JB
March 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Dear residents of Middletown
I live next to the plant that SunCoke operates in Haverhill Ohio. This plant will not be a nice neighbor. The citizens of Middletown should fight to stop this plant from being built.
By scrap
March 7, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I agree I think they will do whatever they want. I also hate to see more people lose their homes because they decide to lock even more employees out of work.
By yelomoon
March 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
well, I think Ak will do what ever they want no matter what. They have already proved that. I think it will be an enviromental mess for Middletown citizens. And the employees at the new plant will probably be low wage and full of scars. Im just glad I dont live in Middletown.
By Wood Shoe Lou
March 6, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Worker: Old-timers tell me that AK needs the coke oven gas and other by-products from the old Krupp battery for process reasons in other areas of the plant. If that is true, AK would probably continue to operate it as long as the EPA allows.
By Worker
March 6, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
This sounds like it may be something good for Middletown and the job opprtunitys it would create. But my concern is for the people that currently work at the Middletown coke plant. What would it do to there jobs. That is one of the oldest coke producing ovens around. If this is a ouside company and outside people I dont see any oppurtunitys for AK current employees at this facilty. That would be a concern for those people and there jobs.
By Wood Shoe Lou
March 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
We should remain open to this opportunity until we learn more of the details. This new technology eliminates “top charging” of coal. (Coal is charged from the pusher side.) That alone is HUGE from environmental, health, and safety viewpoints.
By Kathy Korge Albergate
March 6, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
The plant would be a boost to Middletown’s economy. If we want this city to be vibrant again we need to encourage economic growth. While AK and Coke would be a good partnering arrangement Middletown needs to continue to look for ways to bring jobs/businesses to the city. Middletown needs to think outside their own backyard and plan for the kids of Middletown future. Where will they work? Will they all leave because there is no future for them in the city? Give Middletown a chance to grow.
By mee
March 6, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
I think it is a wonderful idea. I think the Federal Government has no right to regulate private enterprise. I think the EPA should waive any and all enviormental standards regarding the production of COKE. I think all AK top management people are entitled to million dollar stock options. I think the COKE plant should be build in Dean Prushing’s back yard.