EL PASO, Texas An Arizona mining company moved closer to obtaining a permit to resume operations at an El Paso copper smelter that’s been closed since 1999.
A report released yesterday by the executive director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recommends renewing Asarco’s air quality permit — but only if the Tucson-based company ensures that it “maintains effective pollution control equipment and practices.”

Among the measures recommended are development of a plan for repairs to its acid plants and thorough inspection of certain electric systems.

Asarco attorney Doug McAllister says the conditions laid out in the 30-page report are what Asarco would expect to face before restarting the plant.

The report must be approved by the T-C-E-Q commissioners. Public comment will be accepted on the findings through June 18 and a public meeting on the permit renewal will be held.

Environmentalists and some civic leaders have urged the state to reject Asarco’s permit because of possible environmental hazards.

Information from: El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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