A meeting hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) drew a packed crowd to the Hennessey Public Library on Tuesday night, as approximately 40 residents gathered to learn more about a proposed waste processing site north of town.
Three representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality gave a presentation outlining the Tier 3 permitting process for a proposed solid waste processing facility by Sooner Solid Solutions LLC. The facility would handle an estimated 100 to 150 tons per day of non-hazardous industrial waste, primarily spent caustic materials. The waste would be treated using stabilization and solidification methods before being transported to approved disposal facilities.
DEQ officials explained that permit decisions are based strictly on state law and administrative rules and reviewed the steps involved in the review process. They also outlined opportunities for public involvement, including formal comment periods and potential public hearings.
Residents raised numerous questions and concerns during the meeting, particularly regarding groundwater protection, private water wells, proximity to nearby homes, waste classification, transportation safety, long-term monitoring, and potential environmental impacts.
DEQ representatives encouraged residents to stay informed by signing up for project notifications, registering private water wells with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, submitting comments during public review periods, and reporting any suspected violations through DEQ’s complaint system.
The Town of Hennessey was represented by Town Administrator Tiffany Rowen, along with Trustees Harold Shaw and David Jones. Also in attendance were Kingfisher County District 2 Commissioner Mike Sparks, Kingfisher County Emergency Manager Randy Poindexter, and Oklahoma State Senator Chuck Hall.
A full video replay of the meeting is available at AllAboutHennessey.com. Additional coverage will appear in next week’s Hennessey POST newspaper. watch the entire meeting here. https://allabouthennessey.com/…/deq-process-meeting…/
Photo by AAN Jack Quirk