As a hearing continues this Friday in downtown Erie, that could determine the fate of the Erie Coke plant, we are learning about an offer the company has made to the Department of Environmental Protection, or the DEP. 

It comes as Erie Coke has been facing numerous violations, and a call for the plant, to shut down. 

Erie News Now has learned that Erie Coke offered to pay $3.1 million dollars to begin "fixing" the facility, and set aside $1 million dollars in escrow. 

The news of that offer was discussed during the hearing this Friday, but the offer was made in July 5. The DEP turned down the offer, citing that Erie Coke, the agency feels, would still not be in compliance with the Title 5 permit. 

This afternoon, the DEP is calling witnesses in front of a judge. A decision on actions and money needed to get Erie Coke into compliance is being discussed. 

It's expected that the DEP will issue a response to the settlement offer, later this Friday.