Illinois Issues Draft Of Cronus Plant Permit

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued a draft version of a key permit needed for Cronus Chemicals LLC to build and operate a $1.1 billion fertilizer plant in Tuscola.

Illinois is competing with Iowa to host the facility.
 
State EPA spokeswoman Kim Biggs confirmed Friday that the draft air permit has been issued for a site near Tuscola. She says it means the company has met EPA requirements.  The final decision will follow a public-comment period that ends July 25.
 
The plant would employ about 200 people and create 2,000 jobs during construction.
 
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity spokesman David Roeder says the permit is a key step in luring the plant.  
 
Cronus is deciding between Tuscola and a site in Iowa.  A company spokesman was not available for comment.