Wisconsin DNR Approves Foxconn Air Permits

State Officials Also Sign Off On Construction Groundwater Plans

(AP/WPR)---The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved four air permits for the Foxconn Technology Group manufacturing campus in the southeast corner of the state, despite objections that the massive plant will increase smog emissions.

The Taiwan-based tech giant said in a press release Tuesday that it is committed to minimizing negative environmental effects from its factory that will build LCD flat-screen panels. The company says protecting the environmental is a "fundamental responsibility for Foxconn."

Filings made with the state by Foxconn show emissions from the manufacturing complex in the village of Mount Pleasant would rank among the highest in southeastern Wisconsin for toxins that create air pollution known as smog, according to The Associated Press.

In a statement to Wisconsin Public Radio, DNR Spokesman Jim Dick said the four permits issued Tuesday were the subject of a public hearing on April 3.

Dick emphasized that, "the process used to review and ultimately issue these permits is the same process we use for any applicant. Foxconn is held to the same environmental standards as anyone else."

In a separate decision, the DNR also signed off on Foxconn's plans to handle stormwater runoff during construction of the factory complex.

The DNR sent Foxconn a letter Monday saying it had reviewed their proposed erosion controls and sediment management plans.  

Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave told WPR on Tuesday that he welcomes that news.

"We've had a lot of cooperation and discussion, and I have no doubt the environment and the waters are going to be protected, and we're in a good place," Delagrave said.

A small asphalt parking area has already been poured at the edge of the farm field that's slated to become the site of the Foxconn factory, but an official groundbreaking date hasn't been announced.   

While Delagrave said it won't come as early this week, he declined to specify further, saying schedules have to be coordinated and that other issues are still in play.  

Monday night, the village of Mount Pleasant board approved spending about $5 million to buy five additional properties that Foxconn will use.

The board also heard from Kim Maroney, a property owner who says she's unwilling to sell. Maroney said she may file a lawsuit against the village.

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