The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has opened a public comment period on a draft air permit for a new salt and potash manufacturing facility being proposed by Michigan Potash & Salt Co., Denver, in Evart Township in Osceola County (GM June 18, p. 1).
The opportunity for the public to submit comments will be open until Oct. 18, 2021. An online informational session and public hearing will be held on Oct. 7, 2021, to talk to residents about what Michigan Potash is proposing, answer questions from the community, and take comments on the record.
The company has argued that the U.S. needs a stable domestic supply of potash, rather than relying on imports. “The market is so unsettled right now,” Michigan Potash Found and CEO Ted Pagano told Green Markets this week. “Nobody can get product for pharmaceutical and other specialty needs.” He said this is exactly the reason for domestic and alternative sources that are not reliant on international supply chain disruption.
The company has cited recent disruptions, including The Mosaic Co.’s in Saskatchewan and international sanctions against Belarus. It noted that 96 percent of U.S. potash imports come from Belarus, Russia, and Canada.
Michigan Potash plans to use solution mining to initially produce 650,000 mt/y of potash and 780,000 mt/y of salt, eventually ramping up to 1 million mt/y and 1.2 million mt/y, respectively.
The potash would be agricultural and industrial grade and the company said the salt would be food grade, which could serve all available markets – food, bulk, water softening, and road.
EGLE said the Michigan Potash facility will be in Osceola County, which currently meets all National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). EGLE said computer models used to look at the expected impacts from the project showed that expected emissions, plus existing levels, will still be less than applicable NAAQS.
EGLE’s Air Quality Division (AGD) has prepared a proposed permit, and EGLE recommended its approval. However, prior to acting on the permit, the agency is seeking public comment. Thereafter, it may approve, approve with modifications, or deny.