Three years after announcing its plans to operate a cement plant in Castle Hayne, Titan America is still waiting to hear a final decision regarding an air permit from the state Division of Air Quality.
WHQR’s Michelle Bliss reports that supporters and opponents of the project continued their battle this year, an ongoing story that’s #3 on WHQR’s top ten news countdown for 2011.
Last week, the DAQ completed its review of Titan America’s draft air permit. Spokesperson Tom Mather says that the 19-page review addressed the concerns and feedback brought up at two public hearings back in September.
There were more than a thousand public comments to sort through in preparing the document.
The DAQ’s Patrick Butler made several recommendations regarding public concerns that require more evaluation before the agency’s director can make a decision on the permit.
Butler suggests that the DAQ seek legal counsel to determine if it can grant an air permit before a holistic environmental study is completed under the National Environmental Protection Act.
Tune in Friday as we wrap up WHQR’s 2011 Top Ten Countdown of news stories across the Cape Fear region and state.