The Blue Grass plant submitted a permit modification request to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency seeking a storage and treatment permit regarding organic air emissions for the facility.

The permit covers organic components in the destruction process that could volatilize, which means evaporate into the air, said Mike Williams, environmental engineer, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. The modification is necessary because the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection does not currently possess the required authority to issue permits for this specific topic.

“It is important to control these substances because in large enough amounts they can affect air quality by producing ozone precursors leading to formation of smog as well as have negative effects on human health,” Williams said. “We have specific controls, such as carbon filters, and monitoring in place to prevent organic air emissions so we can satisfy permit requirements and protect the workers, community and environment.”

One example of a volatile substance that will be present in Blue Grass equipment and tanks is isopropanol, which is a major component of the rubbing alcohol commonly found in many households.

A public meeting will be held for the community to discuss the permit modification request at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office at 1000 Commercial Drive, Suite 2, Richmond, Kentucky.