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by Jim Kotcon |
2006
ANOTHER new coal-fired power plant would dirty the air in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. This one in Greenbrier County.
A proposed new coal-fired power plant would emit unacceptable levels of air pollution, according to comments filed by the WV Chapter to the WV Department of Environmental Protection. A public comment period on a draft air pollution permit ended April 10, and the comment letter was co-signed by 17 groups and individuals from across the region.
Among the complaints: The proposed facility would emit too much sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and toxic metals. No limits on emissions of heavy metals such as beryllium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium or selenium were imposed. Emissions monitoring was inadequate. No provisions were made for limiting emissions of greenhouse gases.
Analyses of alternative technologies were inadequate and improperly dismissed some promising pollution control options. Air pollution in Greenbrier County already approaches federal health standards due to long-range transport from other coal-fired power plants in the region. Placing another major source of pollution in Greenbrier County is a step in the wrong direction.
An environmental impact statement will be required and should be out for public comment this summer. Call Jim Kotcon (594-3322) for more details or to learn what you can do to protect air quality.
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