BIG RIVER STEEL AIR PERMIT EARNS FINAL APPROVAL BY ARKANSAS PC&E COMMISSION

Today, the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission gave final approval to the Title V / PSD air permit for the $1.1 billion Big River Steel mini-mill to be built in Mississippi County.  Steel-industry competitor Nucor Corp. and Nucor-Yamato Steel challenged the air permit last year, claiming a laundry list of shortcomings in the permit’s basis and problems with the ADEQ’s permit review and issuance.  Big River Steel prevailed after a 4-day evidentiary hearing on the issue in February, and the Commission approved the Recommended Decision of Administrative Law Judge Charles Moulton, at today’s monthly Commission hearing.  Judge Moulton’s 70-page decision (issued March 20, 2014) considered and rejected each of Nucor’s arguments, which were determined after trial to either lack an evidentiary basis or lack any legal foundation, or both.  PPGMR attorney Alan Perkins presented oral argument on behalf of Big River Steel at today’s hearing.  The Commission voted unanimously to approved the ALJ’s recommended decision.

John Correnti, chief executive officer of Big River Steel, who attended today’s Commission meeting said that Big River Steel plans to break ground in June.  Nucor is expected to appeal today’s decision and continue its fight in court.