Gary Works seeks modification to its air permit

U.S. Steel is seeking modifications to its air pollution permit that limits what the Gary Works steel mill can emit.

The steelmaker is asking for changes to how particulate matter emissions at its pig caster are regulated, such as by testing particulate matter emissions every five years and exempting its loader dump discharge and pig ingot casting discharge processes from fugitive emissions requirements.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will host a public hearing on the air permit at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the gymnasium of the 21st Century Charter School at 556 Washington Street in Gary.

Environmentalists have raised concerns the permit modifications could mean more pollution and hurt public health. Particulate matter, which causes the haze one sometimes sees over steel m