IDEM NOTICE OF 30 DAY PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Preliminary Findings Regarding the Renewal of a Minor Source Operating Permit (MSOP)

For Praxair, Inc. in Porter County

Permit No. 127-29712-00069

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has received an application from Praxair, Inc. located at 1224 North Boo Road, Chesterton, Indiana for a renewal of their MSOP issued on January 20, 2006. If approved by IDEM’s Office of Air Quality (OAQ), this proposed renewal would allow Praxair, Inc. to continue to operate their existing source.

This draft MSOP does not contain any new equipment that would emit air pollutants; however, some conditions from previously issued permits/approvals have been corrected, changed or removed. This notice fulfills the public notice procedures to which those conditions are subject. IDEM has reviewed this application, and has developed preliminary findings, consisting of a draft permit and several supporting documents, that would allow for these changes.

A copy of the permit application and IDEM’s preliminary findings are available at:

Porter County Library

2665 Irving Street

Portage, IN 46368

and

IDEM/Northwestern Regional Office

8380 Louisiana Street

Merrillville, Indiana 46410

A copy of the preliminary findings is available on the Internet at:

http://www.in.gov/ai/appfiles/idem-caats/,

How can you participate in this process?

The date that this notice is published in　a newspaper marks the beginning of a 30-day public comment period. If the 30th day of the comment period falls on a day when IDEM offices are closed for business, all comments must be postmarked or delivered in person on the next business day that IDEM is open.

You may request that IDEM hold a public hearing about this draft permit. If adverse comments concerning the air pollution impact of this draft permit are received, with a request for a public hearing, IDEM will decide whether or not to hold a public hearing. IDEM could also decide to hold a public meeting instead of, or in addition to, a public hearing. If a public hearing or meeting is held, IDEM will make a separate announcement of the date, time, and location of that hearing or meeting. At a hearing, you would have an opportunity to submit written comments and make verbal comments. At a meeting, you would have an opportunity to submit written comments, ask questions, and discuss any air pollution concerns with IDEM staff.

Comments and supporting documentation, or a request for a public hearing should be sent in writing to IDEM at the address below. If you comment via e-mail, please include your full U.S. mailing address so that you can be added to IDEM’s mailing list to receive notice of future action related to this permit. If you do not want to comment at this time, but would like to receive notice of future action related to this permit application, please contact IDEM at the address below. Please refer to permit number 127-29712-00069 in all correspondence.

Comments should be sent to:

Jack Harmon

IDEM, Office of Air Quality

100 North Senate Avenue

MC 61-53 IGCN 1003

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2251

(800) 451-6027, ask for extension 3-4228

Or dial directly: (317) 233-4228

E-mail: jaharmon@idem.in.gov

All comments will be considered by IDEM when we make a decision to issue or deny the permit. Comments that are most likely to affect final permit decisions are those based on the rules and laws governing this permitting process (326 IAC 2), air quality issues, and technical issues. IDEM does not have legal authority to regulate zoning, odor or noise. For such issues, please contact your local officials.

For additional information about air permits and how you can participate, please see IDEM’s Guide for Citizen Participation and Permit Guide on the Internet at: www.idem.in.gov.

What will happen after IDEM makes a decision?

Following the end of the public comment period, IDEM will issue a Notice of Decision stating whether the permit has been issued or denied. If the permit is issued, it may be different than the draft permit because of comments that were received during the public comment period. If comments are received during the public notice period, the final decision will include a document that summarizes the comments and IDEM’s response to those comments. If you have submitted comments or have asked to be added to the mailing list, you will receive a Notice of the Decision. The notice will provide details on how you may appeal IDEM’s decision, if you disagree with that decision. The final decision will also be available on the Internet at the address indicated above, at the local library indicated above, and the IDEM public file room on the 12th floor of the Indiana Government Center North, 100 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2251 IDEM/Northwestern Regional Office, 8380 Louisiana Street Merrillville, Indiana 46410

If you have any questions please contact Jack Harmon of my staff at the above address

Iryn Calilung, Section Chief

Permits Branch

Office of Air Quality

(March 1, 2011)