Air and Odor Issues Discussed at ODEAB Monthly Meeting

Particpants at the October 13 ODEAB meeting learned about how the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) inspects and monitors Precoat Metals for its air and water emissions.

Attending from IDEM were Ramesh Tejuja, IDEM inspector; and Michael Aylesworth, Director of the IDEM Northern Regional Office. Also in attendance was the recently hired Environmental Specialist for the National Park Service, Charles Morris.

IDEM, of course, has to work within the parameters of Precoat’s Title V air permit. Precoat's current air permit does not expire until 2011. A draft permit would probably be released for public comment some time in 2010.

Ramesh answered questions about the Precoat Facility and basically reiterated that if any malfunctions occur in the production line and incinerator, the line will automatically shut down. However, attendees expressed concern that some mechanisms of failure could still be overlooked.

Also discussed were the electrical burning smell residents are occasionally noticing this past few months, as well as concerns that not much can be done if an industry is operating within the means of their IDEM-approved permit.

While permits can help prevent emissions, poorly written permits, or permits that overlook failures or other emission sources, can cause problems as well. Everyone agreed that permits need to be reviewed when they are up for renewal, even if outside assistance needs to be obtained. It was also emphasized that air pollution is not just an Ogden Dunes issue, and therefore outreach needs to be done to get other communities and groups involved.

Solvents in paint coatings can have a detectable odor at a very low part per million. Unfortunately, odors are not regulated in the state of Indiana, but they can be an indicator that something else is happening.

The ODEAB also learned from IDEM that residents from Ogden Dunes are the ones who most frequently call in complaints about nearby industry, indicating that the ODEAB has done a good job in promoting the pollution prevention hotline. Again, it was emphasized that more than Ogden Dunes residents need to contact IDEM if anything is ever to be done about the issues. (http://www.in.gov/idem/5275.htm)

It was also suggested that residents complain to the National Park Dispatch office at 395-1772 if they are on National Park property, i.e., the Portage Lakefront Riverwalk, and feel that their ability to enjoy the park is being compromised. It was emphasized to only call dispatch during hours when the park is open during the day, not at night when the park is closed.

If you contact IDEM and know an inspector is coming to our area, it might also be helpful to contact the Town Hall at 762-4125 so that the Town Marshall and or officers can be notified. That way if an inspector comes across an officer the officer can be clued in to assist them or direct them to the area being impacted.

Action items that came out of the meeting included:

• Getting ODEAB members trained on the IDEM-provided grab canisters.
• Learning more about nuisance laws.
• Determining if other facilities, like AMROX and/or Beta Steel are in compliance.
• Inviting Precoat representatives to the November 10 ODEAB meeting at 8:30 a.m.