TICONDEROGA, N.Y. (AP) – International Paper Co. is a step closer to getting the OK to conduct a test burning of tires to power its mill along Lake Champlain.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a draft permit to the company, which will be followed by a 75-day period for public comment, a hearing and a review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

International Paper first applied for the trial in January and completed the application to the DEC’s standards this week.

“A significant amount of information had to go into the application to satisfy the questions by the DEC and the EPA,” mill spokeswoman Donna Wadsworth said. “It’s a big step.”

The mill would burn 72 tons of shredded tires daily during the test. The goal is to determine whether tire-derived fuel could be a substitute for 10 percent of the oil used to power the mill.

Critics, such as the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, think the environmental consequences will be serious.

The mill is located across from Shoreham, Vt.

“We stand with the vast majority of Vermonters in opposing IP’s plan to burn tires without the best pollution-control devices available,” spokesman Paul Burns said. “There is genuine concern being expressed by parents of children on this side of the lake that this company could do more to control pollution.”

Wadsworth said burning tires could save at least $3.5 million annually. If the company receives final approval, the earliest the test could take place is January.

“We’re still confident this can be a safe trial and the project has sound environmental issues,” she said.

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Information from: Press-Republican, http://www.pressrepublican.com