The Department of Environmental Quality is extending the public comment period for the Consumers Energy proposed air permit until May 20. Public hearings were held on the 930-megawatt coal-fired power plant proposed by Consumers Energy in Hampton Township near Essexville on April 14 and 15, and the comment period is being extended to ensure interested parties have an adequate opportunity to review the available materials and submit their comments for consideration. This extension will not delay the overall review process.

Written comments can be sent to Mary Ann Dolehanty, Acting Permit Section Supervisor, Air Quality Division, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7760. Comments may also be submitted on the Web page at http://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml (click on "Submit Comment" under the Consumers Energy - Permit to Install No. 341-07 listing). All comments received by May 20, 2009 will be considered by the decision maker prior to final permit action.

For more information, go to http://www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml or contact staff of the DEQ's Air Quality Division at 517-373-2098.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

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