FULL LETTER FROM BRIGHTMARK

 Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 N. Senate Avenue

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251

Attn: Matthew Stuckey - Assistant Commissioner Office of Air Quality

Re: Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC

Plant ID No. 151-00067

FESOP No. 151-49194-00067

Case No. 2023-29694-A

Dear Mr. Stuckey:

Brightmark Plastics Ashley OpCo LLC (“Brightmark”) is writing to provide the Indiana Department 

of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) with notice regarding the current operational status of its 

facility located at 401 McEntarfer Drive, Ashley, Indiana, and to request IDEM’s guidance regarding 

the Agreed Order adopted by IDEM on May 19, 2026.

Brightmark has temporarily suspended active plastics-to-fuel processing operations at the Ashley 

facility while the company conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its technology configuration, 

operational strategy, staffing model, and future development plans for the site. This operational 

pause is intended to allow Brightmark to assess potential technology improvements and operational 

alternatives that may enhance the long-term viability, compliance posture, and performance of the 

facility.

Due to the current idling of the facility, Brightmark will not be able to meet the current timeline 

established in Paragraph 3 of the Agreed Order, which requires Brightmark to submit a permit 

application within one hundred twenty (120) days of the Effective Date to update compliance testing 

requirements and associated deadlines relative to current and projected operational capabilities of 

the emission units requiring stack tests in the permit. Because the facility is not currently operating 

in active plastics-to-fuel processing mode, Brightmark needs additional time to evaluate its future 

operating plans and determine the appropriate permit-related path forward.

Brightmark is providing this notice so IDEM is aware of the facility’s current status and the impact 

that the operational pause has on Brightmark’s ability to meet the current Agreed Order timeline. 

Brightmark respectfully requests IDEM’s guidance on the appropriate process to address the current 

schedule and requirements under the Agreed Order.

The facility is being maintained in a safe and environmentally compliant condition during this 

temporary operational pause. Brightmark will continue to comply with applicable permit 

requirements, regulatory obligations, and ongoing commitments under the Agreed Order to the 

extent they remain applicable during the current facility status. Brightmark also intends to continue 

communicating with IDEM regarding material developments affecting the facility’s operational 

status, permitting needs, and future operating plans.

2

401 McEntarfer Drive

Ashley, IN 46705

At this time, Brightmark has not made a final determination regarding the duration of the 

operational pause or the ultimate configuration of future operations. As the company’s evaluation 

progresses, Brightmark intends to submit any permit applications, permit revisions, testing plans, 

extension requests, or supporting documentation that may be appropriate based on the outcome of 

its evaluation, future operating plans, and IDEM’s guidance.

Brightmark appreciates the professionalism, cooperation, and support provided by IDEM staff 

throughout this process and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the agency. 

Should IDEM have any questions or wish to discuss the facility’s current status or the Agreed Order, 

please contact me directly.

Sincerely,

BRIGHTMARK PLASTICS ASHLEY OPCO LLC

Chris Hillary

Plant Manager

cc: Joe Har