The Department of Environmental Quality will be hosting a public information meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, to share information with the public and explain actions the DEQ is taking to add new requirements to operating licenses for the two coal ash landfills at the Consumers Energy's Karn and Weadock power plants located in Hampton Charter Township, Bay County.  The two-hour session will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Hampton Charter Township Hall, 801 West Center Road, Essexville.

The DEQ is in the process of reviewing applications for the renewal of the company's solid waste disposal area operating licenses. The landfills are used for the disposal of coal combustion fly ash and bottom ash from the power plants.  Information will be provided on existing conditions and proposed improvements at the landfills and the new requirements of the renewal licenses.

Company representatives will make a presentation focusing on past conditions, current operations, proposed monitoring, and recent and planned improvements to the landfills, and DEQ staff will explain the applicable regulatory requirements.  After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for questions and answers.

This informational meeting only pertains to the renewal operating licenses for the two currently operating landfills.  Due to time and other constraints, other issues related to the landfills' discharges to the surface waters under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, air quality permits for the power plants, and the permitting of the proposed third coal combustion power generation unit are not the focus of this meeting.

Additional information about the DEQ's Solid Waste Management Programs is on the Web at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3312_4123---,00.html.  Additional information is available by contacting Terry Walkington in the DEQ's Saginaw Bay District Office at 989‑894‑6295.

Editor's note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"