Errington and Lanane push for IDEM public hearings

On Friday, State Representative Sue Errington (D-Muncie) and Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) sent a letter to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Commissioner requesting public hearings on the proposed Waelz Sustainable Products permit application.

Both Rep. Errington’s and Sen. Lanane’s offices have received numerous calls and emails regarding the need for public input on something that could pose serious health hazards for the city of Muncie and other Hoosiers connected to the White River.

“I have serious concerns about the levels of mercury that would be produced from this facility and how it could directly impact the air quality for my constituents in Delaware County,” Rep. Errington said. “I want to ensure IDEM gives my constituents, who live near where this proposed facility would be built, the chance to make their concerns known through a public hearing process before allowing construction to begin. I support new jobs and economic growth, but not at the expense of the health and safety of our families and children living in Muncie.”

“My constituents are rightly concerned about the potential pollutants created by this project, and with any matter that affects them, they should have a say in how the project is conducted,” Sen. Lanane said. “While economic development and additional jobs are welcome, including the smart re-use of a Brownfield Site, it’s vital IDEM opens up the permit process to the valuable input of Hoosiers living in the area.”