750,000
metric tons of aluminum per year
OPA’s stated production capacity.
Source: OPA · Sept 23 (opens in a new tab)01 — What’s proposed
A smelter the size of a small town.
Oklahoma Primary Aluminum wants to build a 441-acre primary aluminum smelter at the Port of Inola. These figures describe the developer's proposal, not approved limits.
441
acres at the Port of Inola
The site footprint described in OPA’s release.
Source: OPA · Sept 23 (opens in a new tab)0.64
lb fluoride per U.S. ton
Proposed maximum potline cap, not an approved limit or whole-facility annual total.
Source: OPA · Sept 3 (opens in a new tab)1,000+
barges a year on the Verdigris
1.5 million tons of alumina powder moved upriver annually, according to the application.
Source: Permit application (opens in a new tab)02 — The questions
DEQ asked for more evidence. So do we.
On October 7 the Oklahoma DEQ asked the developer to substantiate its emissions calculations. The review is ongoing. These are the questions still open.
01020304
What would we be breathing?
DEQ asks for evidence supporting the emissions model and air-quality analysis behind the proposed fluoride cap.
What happens to our farms and soil?
DEQ told the Journal Record in August that its review will weigh how fluoride settles on vegetation and livestock.
Who pays for the power?
OPA says it is negotiating with PSO. A final power agreement and the impact on customer bills remain undetermined.
Was the Muscogee (Creek) Nation consulted?
The site sits within the reservation. The Nation formally opposed the smelter in July and says it was never consulted.
03 — The public record
What happened. When. And who said it.
Oct 15
· Tulsa Ports board
Tulsa Ports board unanimously authorizes a lawsuit against the Town of Inola.
The suit would target the moratorium and ordinances limiting development at the port. Authorization is not a filing or a ruling; FOX23 had not confirmed a filing as of Oct 15.
Read the FOX23 report (opens in a new tab)Oct 7
· Oklahoma DEQ
DEQ asks OPA to substantiate its emissions calculations.
DEQ frames this as normal technical review, not a rejection. The air permit remains under review.
Read KJRH’s report (opens in a new tab)Oct 6
· Public Radio Tulsa
Economist questions what the impact study leaves out.
OPA says more analysis is coming. Its PSO power agreement is not final.
Read the coverage (opens in a new tab)Sept 23
· OPA release
OPA announces 441-acre, 750,000-ton smelter plan.
The developer’s public description of scale, site, and capacity. These are proposed figures.
Read the release (opens in a new tab)Official status, checked October 19, 2026 — DEQ lists the air application as under review. BACT, modeling and draft-permit meetings are listed as TBD. Check official notices for deadlines.
04 — Stand with Inola
Don’t let this stop with you.
Protect Inola directs supporters to Barrow & Grimm for the legal fight. One call, one shared link, one more neighbor informed moves this forward.
The immediate ask
Help fund the legal fight
Call Barrow & Grimm and ask about contributing to the Inola smelter legal fight.
(918) 584-1600Get on the update list
Hear about hearings, public comment, and the next chance to show up.
Send the facts to one person
Share this site with a neighbor and ask them to follow the updates.
Be ready for the next public notice
Subscribe to DEQ notices so you don’t miss a comment deadline or hearing.
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