The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is taking steps to possibly shut down Erie Coke. CLICK FOR VIDEO
In an exclusive interview with 12News, DEP secretary John Hanger says agency attorneys are discussing whether it's possible to get a court injunction to close the plant. He says Wednesday's pollution incident at the plant could be the ammunition he needs to close Erie Coke down.
On Wednesday, a huge cloud of smoke poured from the plant and covered the bayfront.
Coke oven blowers failed to operate after a power outage.
"I just can't walk up to the gates of Erie Coke and padlock it. This is a democracy subject of the rule of law. So we have to go to court and receive court orders to take that kind of step," Hanger said.
Hanger says getting a court injunction to close a plant down is no easy task. Witnesses must be able to testify. Also, evidence must be gathered and presented.
He hopes to hear from his attorneys sometime next week.