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Pittsburgh's GASP report ..............
by duane330＠aol.com 27 May '10

27 May '10

Having trouble viewing this email? www.gasp-pgh.org GASPalerts Action and News from Group Against Smog and Pollution JOIN OUR LIST IN THIS ISSUE Upcoming Events Become a member of GASP today May 27, 2010 Take Action Join GASP, Pittsburgh United, Clean Water Action, and the Sierra Club for the introduction of important Clean Water and Clean Air Legislation in Pittsburgh. Councilman Bill Peduto, lead sponsor of the legislation, will introduce two bills, one related to storm water run-off in major economic development projects and one related to reducing diesel emissions during construction of major projects on Tuesday, June 1st, 2010. We need you there to show support for these important pieces of legislation. Press Conference 9:30am, Tuesday, June 1st 5th Floor, City County Building 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, 15219 Let us know if you are able to attend by emailing gasp(a)gasp-pgh.org The Issues: Reducing Diesel Emissions Let us know if you are able to attend by emailing gasp(a)gasp-pgh.org The Issues: Reducing Diesel Emissions Diesel emissions harm our health, our environment and our economy. Publicly-funded development should be a partner in protecting our health and environment. Diesel soot cancer risk in Pittsburgh area is 408 times greater than EPA's acceptable cancer level of 1 in a million. Our risk is 1 in 2,449. Pittsburgh area workers are projected to miss 13,558 days of work in 2010 because of unnecessary exposure to diesel fine particles Kids' emergency room visits for asthma-like symptoms are 400% higher in Pittsburgh than other cities Black carbon, emitted by diesels, is one of the largest contributing pollutants to global warming This clean construction legislation will require that contracts for publicly-funded development in the City of Pittsburgh must ensure that all diesel vehicles on site have the Best Available Diesel Control Technology installed and that ultra low sulfur diesel fuel is used in construction vehicles. Mitigating Storm Water Run-off During heavy rainstorms, storm water run-off forces un-treated sewage into our rivers. Publicly funded development should lead the way in innovative techniques to control and drastically reduce this problem. During nearly two thirds of the days of our city's boating season, the water is not safe to touch. The current estimate for ALCOSAN's portion of the EPA mandated repairs to its system is estimated to be from $3 billion to as much as $20 billion. Most of us get our drinking water from the three rivers The Clean Water bill will require developments that receive our tax dollars to drastically reduce their storm water run-off. Upcoming Event GASLAND When: Saturday, June 5th 7:00pm-10:00pm, doors open at 6:15pm Where: Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 What: Award-winning documentary on the impacts of drilling for natural gas Panel Discussion following movie featuring: Myron Arnowitt (Clean Water Action), Representative Dave Levdansky, Ned Mulcahy (Three Rivers Waterkeeper), John Stolz (Duquesne University), Conrad Dan Volz (CHEC) Moderated by Josh Fox, GASLAND filmmaker Admission is FREE For more information call 412-624-9379 or 412-765-3053 www.gaslandthemovie.com Thank you to everyone who attended, Before You Flip That Switch: The Hidden Costs of Energy. If you missed the event, the presentation by Dr. Jared Cohon, President of Carnegie Mellon University, can be found on the GASP website. Thanks to our event sponsors: AJ Stones - Master Green Remodeler, West Penn Energy Solutions & Vox Energy Solutions. Help us be as effective as possible by becoming a member or renewing your membership today. Over the last forty years, through education, advocacy, helping to set regional and local environmental policy, and at times entering into litigation, GASP has made a positive impact on our region's air quality and environment. Help us to continue this important work in 2010. Gift memberships also available! Membership details and instructions for donating can be found here. We appreciate your participation on the GASPalerts email list. Working together, we can make a difference in our region's environment. We won't trade or sell your address with other organizations or inundate you with mailings. Thank you. Sincerely, Group Against Smog and Pollution and Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition

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Fwd: [PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 08-1521-E-C(Barbara Born, et al. v. Longview Power, LLC)
by duane330＠aol.com 27 May '10

27 May '10

TO: Members and friends of MVCAC. Email me your mailing address if you need a copy of the CD described below. Duane Nichols >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- From: WV Public Service Commission <docketnotify(a)psc.state.wv.us> To: duane330(a)aol.com Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 5:10 pm Subject: [PSC Docket] Activity on PSC Case 08-1521-E-C(Barbara Born, et al. v. Longview Power, LLC) The case 08-1521-E-C (Barbara Born, et al. v. Longview Power, LLC) has had the following activity : Activity Date: 05/25/2010 Activity Description: Pursuant to March 18, 2010, Order- Copies of PA Permits- (on CD), filed by Counsel for Longview Power, LLC (closed entry) Click here to view associated document.

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Public Coal Mine Waste Disposal Meeting
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 26 May '10

26 May '10

Meeting today with the DEP! A friend posted this on FaceBook: Public Coal Mine Waste Disposal Meeting The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public meeting for this coming Wednesday, May 26th. This will be an informal conference to discuss the proposed disposal of coal ash, starting at 6:00 pm at the Scott's Run Volunteer Fire Dept in Cassville. The purpose is to hear public comments and concerns about a new 225 acre surface mine and modifications to an associated National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. Translation: Two enormous fly ash disposal sites are being proposed right here in our very own county. The industry intends to stockpile an unfathomable quantity of toxic coal waste here for years and years to come. Residents need to demand that the impact of this be evaluated using the most recent testing criteria (not the much-less-stringent old standards): that containment be provided to keep the toxins out of groundwater; and more. You don't need to be an expert. (Who was it who said that there are experts in small things, but, "In morality, there are no experts.") Many warm bodies are needed at this 'conference' to indicate that yes, we are paying attention. Industry wants to classify these landfills as "beneficial use" of land, rather than as the hazardous waste dumps that they are, thus bypassing regulations to require safety measures for our protection. And this is happening now, when the national focus on cancer prevention has taken a dramatic turn toward the dangers of environmental toxins. How history will remember US depends on what we do about this, now. You CAN attend this meeting and learn what is going on right under your nose. We have a chance this time.

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Informal Conference Announced for Cassville
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 May '10

22 May '10

Public Coal Mine Waste Disposal Meeting The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public meeting for this coming Wednesday, May 26th. The will be an informational meeting to discuss the proposed disposal of coal ash, starting at 6:00 pm at the Scott's Run Volunteer Fire Dept in Cassville. The purpose is to hear public comments and concerns about a new 225 acre surface mine and modifications to an associated National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. The State government released the following information on May 21st: "The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Mining and Reclamation is facilitating an Informal Conference on Patriot Mining Company's applications for an Article 3 surface mining permit (no. S200909) and Article 11 permit WV1017535, Modification # 9, located northeast of Cassville in Clay District of Monongalia County. For more information, contact the permit supervisor at 304-457-3219 in the Philippi Office." This meeting is open to the public; and, citizen participation is encouraged by the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition, Duane Nichols (spokesperson), 304-216-5535. Submitted by: Duane G. Nichols, Ph.D. Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition 330 Dream Catcher Circle Morgantown, WV 26508 _duane330(a)aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) (304) 599-8040

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Interactive power plant mapping.....
by Duane330＠aol.com 01 May '10

01 May '10

From: Carrie Traud <_carrie(a)theclean.org_ (mailto:carrie@theclean.org) > Date: Thu, Apr 29, 2010 at 2:48 PM Subject: CLEAN unveils new interactive map of coal and nuclear plants To: mvcac Hello CLEAN friends! CLEAN is proud to unveil a great new tool - an interactive, detailed map of coal and nuclear plants in the US: _http://www.theclean.org/mapping.html_ (http://www.theclean.org/mapping.html) . I encourage you and your members to explore the map and see what's operating near you! The mapping project is ongoing, with layers on coal and nuclear waste and others in the works. Since even the EPA doesn't have all the data on these waste dumps, we need alert citizen activists to point us in the right direction. If you know of a waste dump that's off the radar, please report it here (for coal): _http://web.theclean.org/coal_plant.html_ (http://web.theclean.org/coal_plant.html) and here (for nuclear): _http://web.theclean.org/nuke_plant.html_ (http://web.theclean.org/nuke_plant.html) . As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. for a clean energy future, Carrie -- Carrie Traud Southern Coordinator, CLEAN Call to Action Kentuckians for the Commonwealth 859-801-2871 _http://theclean.ning.com_ (http://theclean.ning.com/) Twitter: kycarrie

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Happy Earth Day 2010
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 Apr '10

22 Apr '10

(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Tb/IgrfiviKMkh2Roi9X…) _Stop Global Warming Virtual March_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=1c+GSXABhO50spUAcTcY…) 04/22/10 (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=tOwXcp23SbNForRzgmLQ…) HAPPY EARTH DAY 2010 Today marks the 40th Anniversary of the first _Earth Day_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=c4GtHL4XPCy8oEpNODcF…) . Help make Earth Day 2010 a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Visit _Earth Day Network_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QK0ZBrvBCh1sfWfviRjP… bLVLoxEv2) , and join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action today. You can add your voice by signing the _Earth Day 2010 Climate Declaration_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=20sgaf9buRahsqr3FQC6 3jQbLVLoxEv2) . Please join supporters this Sunday April 25 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. for a massive _climate rally_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=zkUyLfpwLHsDYQoP8jN7…) , featuring notable speakers and live music from Sting, The Roots, Jimmy Cliff and more. _Click here_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=PZYQ2k9aCIbMy5qRMevo…) for more info. (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=0/abQfGN7TNbBInwUH+O…) IN THEATERS Our friends at Participant Media ("An Inconvenient Truth") have a number of upcoming film projects. Opening today is the Disneynature documentary _Oceans_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=m+DzYud3QFMIPcIXNmZ2…) , a powerful film featuring spectacular never-before-seen imagery captured by the latest underwater technologies. To learn about the film and make a pledge to ensure healthy, clean oceans, visit _savemyoceans.com_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=CpIAkjXEUp4oIYLy7R7u…) . Also, check out the documentary _Climate of Change_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QE//O7HyJ6ZN4dDPLQuP…) which highlights the efforts of everyday people in the fight against global warming. The film, narrated by actress Tilda Swinton, will be premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival and is also available via Video on Demand on most major cable systems. _Click here_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=MFf7RXSRf+ffSdiONuSc…) for more info. We also encourage you to see the new live action family comedy _Furry Vengeance_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=zi6WC2hXVmK2c95+xrk6…) , opening April 30th. Participant's Social Action Campaign for the movie will focus on endangered species and habitat preservation, and they have created a teachers curriculum and family activity booklet to help young people explore the issues. _Click here_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=vx5Hu8KY6Dq3J4BkrAvH…) for more on the campaign. MISSING HEAT Two recent news stories from _Time Magazine_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Srslml4DQjc294f+qTws…) and _US News and World Report_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=re5DHyi04PbPmeMPewiQ…) point to a troubling discovery that may affect future climate change. Over the past few years, while global CO2 emissions have continued to grow, the global temperature rise hasn't kept pace, suggesting that excess heat energy is getting trapped somehow. Scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) warn that this "missing" heat may be building up in the deep oceans or elsewhere in the climate system, and will come back to haunt us in the future. _Click here_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=IGwL1meEIlfKmddHbZ0z…) for more on the story. Keep Marching, Laurie David Founder _StopGlobalWarming.org_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=QDnfegIgD8vpRA8zI5pc…) _Privacy Policy_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Hl0ufqp0Zgks03rfoA/T…) | _Unsubscribe_ (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=0UI3tD0qu7B3U53j/8cx…) Stop Global Warming Virtual March, 15332 Antioch Street #168, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

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Group Against Smog & Pollution progress
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 Apr '10

22 Apr '10

April 19, 2010 GASP and RRI Energy Reach Agreement on Lead Emissions from Cheswick Power Station This week GASP and RRI Energy finalized an agreement to address lead emissions from RRI's coal-fired Cheswick Power Station in Springdale, Pennsylvania. The negotiations were prompted after GASP, a number of residents living near the Cheswick Power Station, and students at Springdale High School expressed concern that a proposed permit amendment could result in increased lead emissions from the plant. Under the terms of the agreement, RRI will ask the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) to make several changes to RRI's permit to install a scrubber at the Cheswick facility. These changes will include a lower limit on permissible lead emissions, an increase in the frequency of stack testing for lead from every 5 years to every 2 years, and a requirement that RRI provide the monthly average lead content of coal combusted at the facility to ACHD. "We're pleased with the agreement," said Joe Osborne, GASP legal director. "We approached RRI with our concerns, and, to their credit, they worked with us to find a solution we could all be satisfied with. This agreement provides assurance that emissions of toxic lead will not increase as a result of the scrubber project." In addition to providing for no increase in lead emissions, the scrubber project should significantly reduce the Cheswick Plant's emissions of several pollutants, most notably sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Read more: Valley News Dispatch: _Springdale power plant owner RRI Energy agrees to cap lead emissions _ (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1 103314712994&s=244&e=0017cpqG4_hvmjBui6DdhzEiANW4ZfzTeWA1aZ-1DmbyvWWqd8Xg8lz4AywSxDpaExpefIwFKFGSKQ2aO xt4wukLGCDvz7xERJ_pR1KhM4-I162-lMIzVLLWTxkIrXT7MyuWrRcO049GmWyyCvxo0pq-bZC-T ObJH39gY-Hl10QZSk=) Pittsburgh Post Gazette: _Power plant to cap output of lead_ (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103314712994&s=244&e=0017cpqG4_hvmgZPLJ1Dl4dy… ZXMuWOOceownaMDVlGQw499mkbyuqszA8-pdzGlJvjMl9JyVYStLXofXzuMIYWOrc3K5WgcWcRew NBDupViUrfPJBGwhfU2FFJqIIMgxnOq6KDr4SF1OJ2HDqV4pi) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) is a non-profit citizens’ group in Southwestern Pennsylvania working for a healthy, sustainable environment. Founded in 1969, GASP has been a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator, and policy-maker on many environmental issues, with a focus on air quality in the Pittsburgh region. _Learn more about GASP_ (http://www.gasp-pgh.org/about-gasp) . Web-site: www.gasp-pgh.org

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Recent Announcements
by Duane330＠aol.com 15 Apr '10

15 Apr '10

EPA LAUNCHES ACID RAIN BLOGS Although the pollutants that form acid rain, mainly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have each been cut by more than 60 percent since 1995, acid rain continues to negatively affect our environment. Acid rain pollutants can cause respiratory illnesses and premature death in people, damage lakes, streams, and forests and the plants and animals in these ecosystems. EPA has launched some daily blogs to help the public keep abreast of the issue in an interactive way: _Whatever happened to Acid Rain?_ (http://blog.epa.gov/blog/) and _Acid Rain and Cap and Trade_ (http://blog.epa.gov/acidrain/) To follow the series on Facebook and Twitter, go to _www.facebook.com/EPAairmarkets_ (http://www.facebook.com/EPAairmarkets) and _www.twitter.com/EPAairmarkets_ (http://www.twitter.com/EPAairmarkets) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EPA TO ADD 16 CHEMICALS TO ITS TOXIC CHEMICAL LIST TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH EPA is proposing to add 16 additional toxic chemicals to its Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) list to which industries and federal facilities must contribute when reporting their chemical releases and waste management activities. This will add to the database of nearly 650 chemicals and chemical groups from about 22,000 industrial facilities nationwide. EPA will accept public comments on the proposal for 60 days after it appears in the Federal Register. For a list of the 16 chemicals, go to _http://www.epa.gov/tri/lawsandregs/ntp_chemicals/index.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri/lawsandregs/ntp_chemicals/index.html) For information on TRI, go to _http://www.epa.gov/tri_ (http://www.epa.gov/tri) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> OUTDOOR BURNING BANNED IN WEST VIRGINIA Number of fires has almost tripled since April 1 Gov. Joe Manchin has issued a ban on all outdoor burning that will take effect at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010. This proclamation will be in effect until the governor rescinds the order. The ban includes fires built for camping, the burning of debris or for warming purposes; however, the following items are excluded from the restrictions: •Fires for the purpose of chemical production, where fire is essential to operation. •Fires for commercial land-clearing, such as mining, highway construction, and development: Provided that a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning. •Training fires conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training facility operated by a fire department or government entity: Provided that a permit for such training fires is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning. •Fires for outdoor cooking conducted for fundraising events and charitable organizations: Provided that a water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present and a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to the operation. •Grills, lanterns or liquid-fueled gas fire stoves. Since April 1, the number of fires has increased from 108 to 283. The number of burned acres has escalated from 773 to almost 8,500. Warm, dry weather and windy conditions, plus an abundance of vegetative material like downed trees, limbs and leaves have led to these increases. Forty-two percent of these fires have resulted from escaped debris fires. --------------------------------------------------------------

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Ozone formed by VOC's & NOx
by Duane330＠aol.com 14 Apr '10

14 Apr '10

OZONE SEASON BEGAN OFFICIALLY ON APRIL 1 As the weather warms, exposure to unhealthy ground-level ozone conditions becomes more likely and especially harmful to asthmatics and those with respiratory conditions. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Nitrous Oxides (NOx) react with hot temperatures in the air to form ground-level ozone. To alert and protect the public, EPA's AIRNow website at (_http://airnow.gov/_ (http://airnow.gov/) ) provides information about air quality conditions to prevent dangerous over-exposure to ozone pollution. For more information, go to _http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/index.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/index.html)

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coal ash
by Dee/Deb 06 Apr '10

06 Apr '10

This subject requires study. Certainly the concern relating to leaching of trace metals into the aquifer should be explored. Deb Deborah Fulton

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