The Erie Coke plant on Erie's bayfront can continue to operate with conditions, according to a ruling by a Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board judge Wednesday.

The ruling comes almost a week after both sides met to reach a settlement.

In a 34-page opinion and order, Judge Steven Beckman outlines the conditions under which the coke plant can remain open. The full hearing on Erie Coke's appeal will be held Feb. 3, 2020, at the Environmental Hearing Board facility in the Renaissance Centre in Erie.

Conditions outlined in the order include following the compliance plan submitted during a six-day-long hearing in July. For the duration outlined in the order, Erie Coke cannot produce any furnace coke at the facility, and all coal used in coke production must remain on site. The order also dictates Erie Coke must follow the environmental compliance plan given to the court and set aside a separate bank account for capital improvements to the site.

The Department of Environmental Protection has 30 days to file an appeal on Wednesday's order. Erie Coke must have its environmental plan in place by Oct. 15, and a new workplace practices plan needs to be in place by Sept. 16.

An injunction hearing in Erie County Court, originally scheduled for Sept. 3, has been postponed indefinitely.

Read the complete opinion and order