MVCAC

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Minutes of April 10, 2006
by Duane330＠aol.com 12 Apr '06

12 Apr '06

Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition Monthly Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006 The monthly meeting of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition was held on Monday, April 10, 2006 at the Prete Building. There were nine participants in attendance. Duane provided a Treasurer’s Report on behalf of Deborah, who has stepped down as Treasurer, but will remain as a signatory on the bank account, as Treasurer-II if the need arises. We currently have a balance of $4,613. Paula is maintaining a list of donors. This week, Duane will go to the bank with Cindy, our new treasurer, so that her name can be put on the account. Bill mentioned that in order to remain a public charity, 1/3 of an organization’s donations must come from the public. No single donor can give more than 2% of the total donations. If an organization does not meet this criterion, it is considered to be a private foundation, rather than a public charity. Duane stated that our 501c3 application has been submitted, and we received a postcard from the IRS acknowledging receipt of the application. Duane announced that he was going to request an invoice from the company, Synapse Energy Economics, that provided an expert witness for the PSC hearing last month related to the financial aspects of Longview. He moved that we authorize payment to Synapse of up to $4,000 of their total bill. Paula seconded and the motion passed by consensus. Paula suggested that we might want to send a press release to let the public know that we are still active and that Longview is not a “done deal.” Jim stated that he thought that letters to the editor might be more effective than a press release. Duane asked various participants to write letters to the editor. Duane provided an overview of the events at the PSC hearing regarding the siting and transmission line certificates for Longview. During the public comment period at the beginning of the hearing, 4-5 union members spoke, as did Jarrett and his mother. The proceedings went on for two days, after which Phil requested that the hearings be ended. As a result, rather than testifying in person, the testimonies of our noise expert (Chuck), George Blankenship (expert for Allegheny on transmission issues), and Scott Harvey (expert for Longview on transmission lines) were entered into the record. Phil, Duane, Jim, and Bill are working to finish a brief that is a summary of arguments and evidence regarding the siting and transmission line certificates. It is due at the PSC by April 24. Jarrett is working to determine the status of the Longview air permit, whether it has expired, and perhaps was renewed by the WV-DEP Air Quality Branch. Duane asked the participants whether MVCAC should join the West Virginia Environmental Council. The dues would be $100/year. By consensus, the participants present decided that MVCAC would become a member of the WVEC. Duane circulated a draft copy of the brochure that is being created by Cliff and John. The group agreed that the text was too small and dense and needed to be shortened. In addition, it was felt that the graphic on the front was difficult to decipher. In new business, Bill suggested that, once we had defeated Longview, MVCAC might want to consider partnering with other local groups to have joint meetings. This would reduce the number of meetings that an individual participant had to attend and allow groups to pool resources for speakers, etc. Don brought up the issue of the truck traffic through Morgantown. He said that it was difficult for the city to address this issue, because we do not have home rule in West Virginia. He suggested that participants might want to write to their delegates and senators to ask them to change state law and permit home rule. Robert brought flyers, tickets, and bumper stickers for the Mon-Earth concert to be held on April 22 at Morgantown High School. He is looking for volunteers to help with activities such as ticket sales and putting up flyers. If you are willing to help, you can contact him at tower(a)toweringideas.com. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster, Secretary. [NOTES: 1. Our mailing address is: MVCAC, P. O. Box 4679, Morgantown, WV 26504-4679. Notice that the zip code is 26504, which is actually in Star City. 2. The tentative date for the next MVCAC meeting is May 15th, to avoid any possible conflicts with activities leading up to the primary election on Tuesday, May 9th.] 3. These same minutes are attached in the Microsoft Word format, without Notes.

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Meeting 7pm Monday--Prete Bldg.
by Duane330＠aol.com 08 Apr '06

08 Apr '06

REMINDER. Important meeting of the MonValley Clean Air Coalition this Monday, April 10th, at 7 pm. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Prete Building is the large building on the right side of University Avenue in the second block after Patterson Drive, while driving toward Star City. Please enter the next the last entrance on the North Side of the Building, while headed thru the parking lot away from University Avenue. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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Mon-Earth Benefit Concert on April 22!
by Paula (Pj) Hunt 03 Apr '06

03 Apr '06

From: "Robert Tower" <<mailto:tower@mon-earth.org>tower@mon-earth.<mailto:tower@mon-earth.org>org> Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 11:44:10 -0400 Come join us for a musical celebration of Earth Day, in support of our local environment, as we present: The Mon-Earth Benefit Concert Saturday, April 22, 2006 8:00pm, (doors 7:00pm) The Morgantown High School (in South Park) $10 in advance, $12 at the door Students: $5 in advance, $6 at the door Free Parking! Tickets may be purchased at The Blue Moose (downtown), The Bookshelf (next to the Office Depot), G's Fitness (in Westover, across from The Aquarium Restaurant), and at other local retail locations to be announced. This third annual event will feature three unique musical performances: 1. Dulcie Taylor (and her band) from Washington, DC (via South Carolina). Dirty Linen magazine writes "Dulcie Taylor is a gifted writer...she also has a compelling voice she employs with nuance and emotion." Her performances are powerfully direct and down-to-earth. She has won two Washington Area Music Awards and her music has received substantial airplay nationwide. 2. Buddy Mondlock from Nashville, TN Buddy is a very successful songwriter whose songs have been covered by numerous performers including Guy Clark, Janis Ian and Nanci Griffith. He recently toured extensively as part of a trio with Art Garfunkel and Maia Sharp, in support of a recording that the three wrote together. He sings with a gentle passion that draws the listener into the poetic stories that he creates. 3. Rachel Eddy & The Morgantown Rounders The Morgantown Rounders are an Old-Time string band of eclectic proportions. They are traditionalists pushing the envelope of tradition, infusing high-energy square dance exhilaration into a mix of vintage songs. For the first time, the Rounders will be performing in traditional old-time style around one microphone. Local personality, Barbara Walker, will be the emcee. For more details on the performers, tickets, directions to MHS, song samples, staff details and details about the local environmental organizations that this event benefits, visit the website at: <http://www.mon-earth.org/>http://www.mon-earth.org/ Please help spread the word! Peace & harmony, Robert Tower Producer <mailto:tower@mon-earth.org>tower(a)mon-earth.org

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Meet Mon. April 10th
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Mar '06

28 Mar '06

To: MVCAC participants and friends. Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 10th, at 7 pm. Location: Prete Building in the 3000 block of University Avenue. Please enter the next to last door on the north facing side. Topics: Review of the Public Hearing and the Evidentiary Hearing. Status report on the new brochure. Discussion of the new Ft. Martin scrubbers. Discussion of the proposed new 500 kv Transmission Line of Allegheny Energy. Review of air monitoring in Monongalia County. Consideration of membership in the WV Environmental Council. Establishment of an activities calendar and list of future activities. Duane Nichols, Convener

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Minutes-March 6, 2006
by Duane330＠aol.com 09 Mar '06

09 Mar '06

Minutes: Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition; March 6, 2006 The March meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Martha and Larry Schwab on March 6, 2006 beginning at 7:00 pm. There were 12 participants in attendance. Jim Kotcon began the meeting by presenting Phil Gaujot with the West Virginia Environmental Coalition's 2006 Linda Schnautz Environmental Courage Award. This award was well-deserved. There is no question that MVCAC would not be where it is without Phil's expertise and dedication. The minutes from the last meeting were unanimously approved. Duane offered the convener's position to anyone in the group who might like to take it. No one volunteered. He then announced that Deb Fulton will be stepping down as Treasurer. He has asked her to continue for one more month, so that we can find a replacement. Duane provided a Treasurer's report. We currently have balance of approximately $1550. We have applied to the state Sierra Club for reimbursement of $2000 that we spent in 2005. Sierra Club has granted us an additional $2000 for 2006 and will, if we can justify the need, give us an additional $1500, which is a carryover from last year. We also anticipate a $5,000 donor grant again this year. We received $800 in donations from the 600 flyers that we sent out prior to the PSC hearing. We have budgeted monies for the following purposes: $1500 for public education, $3000 for air monitoring, $500 for miscellaneous, and up to $7,000 for expert witnesses. Jim announced that we have entered into an agreement with Synapse Energy Economics to help us with the fight against Longview. According to their web page: "Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. provides research, testimony, reports and regulatory support to consumer advocates, environmental organizations, regulatory commissions, state energy offices, and others." They will provide expert testimony with regard to the issue of the PILOT agreement and the financial viability of the proposed Longview plant. So far, they have mainly been able to testify about what Longview has not provided in the way of documents related to these financial issues. Phil stated that the PSC is permitting Longview to submit many documents in a confidential manner that would not be accessible to the public. Phil petitioned the PSC to be privy to this information. The PSC granted this request, and both he and our expert witness will be able to examine these documents. The PSC's evidentiary hearing regarding the two permits that Longview has requested (siting and transmission line) will begin on Tuesday, March 21 at 9:30 am in Charleston. There will be seating for observers, and there will probably be an initial public comment period. Duane invited members of the group to go. Jarrett reported on the storm water permit that Longview must obtain. They initially applied in November 2005 and then withdrew the application. They applied again, and were assigned a new case number. This has presented some confusion. Jarrett stated that Longview has not given the PSC all of the necessary details that they would need for processing the permit. In addition, they have asked for 2 acres and Jarrett estimates that they would need more like 200 acres. Jarrett noted that Longview did not provide the PSC with information regarding the final route for the transmission line. Also, he is continuing to pursue issues related to the historical significance of the Ft. Martin area with Susan Pierce in the Division of Culture and History. Jarrett mentioned that a total of 11 people spoke in favor of the proposed Longview Power Plant, while 53 spoke against it at the two public hearings that were held last month. John Geever presented a draft of the text that may be included in the tri-fold color brochure that he is developing for us. Duane asked if John could send it to him, so that it could be sent to the entire email list for comment. [This has now been done.] Duane asked for ideas for fund raising. Jim suggested calling people directly, however, we currently do not have phone numbers for the people on our mailing list. In addition, we do not actually have a mailing list, but a series of petitions. Paula suggested that we have a session where people bring their laptops, and we put addresses into a database. Everyone agreed that this was a good idea. Phil asked whether the residents of Ft. Martin had been asked for contributions. They have not been directly approached, and Jarrett said that he would think about how best to proceed with asking them for contributions. Paula wondered if it would be useful to go door-to-door in Baker's Ridge Manor, because those residents are directly affected. Robert Tower is looking for a new venue for the Mon Earth Concert, because the Rosewood has closed. Some suggestions were made, including South Middle School, Eisland Hall, and the Wesley Church gymnasium. Duane suggested that, as an educational activity, we ask a representative from the WV DEP to give a talk about air monitoring in Morgantown. Deb visited the DEP and indicated that they told her that they would provide such a talk. The group agreed that this was a good idea. Duane asked Phil what the next step was in the Longview process, and Phil indicated that we needed to respond to various testimonies by the 14th and the 16th of March. Jim mentioned that the Bush administration is currently asking that states approve a weakening of the current law (the Clean Air Act) for the reduction of mercury over the next 20 years. Coal-fired power plants are the primary sources of mercury pollution. The WV DEP is asking the WV Legislature to adopt these weaker standards. We already have significant mercury levels in our rivers and streams in WV. It initially appeared that the House Judiciary Committee was going to propose stronger standards, but they changed their collective mind. The standards will now go before the Senate, so if you would like to see stronger standards, please contact Senators Oliverio and Prezioso ASAP. For more details and talking points, visit Clear the Air's website at the following url: http://www.cleartheair.org/proactive/newsroom/release.vtml?id=25340 To contact the senators: Michael Oliverio II; E-mail: cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu; Business Phone: (304) 292-3339; Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7919 Roman Prezioso; E-mail: cglagola(a)mail.wvnet.edu; Business Phone: (304) 363-7323; Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7961 Duane proposed that we consider becoming an organizational member of the West Virginia Environmental Council. This would provide us with representation on their board and would cost about $100. It was agreed that we would take up this topic at the next meeting. Duane asked Cindy O’Brien to become Treasurer of MVCAC, and she graciously agreed to do so. The group thanked Martha for providing beautiful and delicious food and hospitality. The meeting ended at 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster

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proposed brochure--your input needed
by Duane330＠aol.com 07 Mar '06

07 Mar '06

To: MVCAC Participants and Friends Here is the draft text for the brochure handed out last night at our meeting. We need feedback this week so that Cliff can get going on the design aspects by the weekend. We can continue to tweak the copy during that process but right now we need to know whether the draft reflects the general direction you'd like to go. Also, if there's important information that needs to be included and/or stuff that could be deleted. Based on the discussion we had last night, I'll add a paragraph asking for contributions. The About MVCAC section could include a mention of the air-monitoring plans as well. Cliff will also want several high-resolution photographs and other illustrations. Does anyone in the group have anything like this, or ideas for them? Obvious ones would include photos of the current Ft. Martin plant, the local traffic on Seece Lane, the pristine south branch of Crooked Run which runs thru the plant site, a photo showing the historical connection (Ft. Harrison, the Garlow cemetery, and/or the Ft. Martin church). What else could we use? Please send your responses both to Duane Nichols (_duane330(a)aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) ) and John Gever (_jgever(a)nasw.org_ (mailto:jgever@nasw.org) ) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PROPOSED TRI-FOLD COLOR BROCHURE Air. Most of us take it for granted. Especially here in West Virginia, a state of small towns and natural wonder. That's a mistake. * * * Our air is under threat. Recently in the Morgantown area, the air has come very close to violating federal standards for two of the most dangerous pollutants, ozone and microscopic dust particles. These are especially bad for people with lung diseases, such as asthma and "black lung," both of which are far more common in West Virginia than the national average. There is evidence that air pollution aggravates heart disease and other conditions as well. Coal-burning power plants are the worst offenders. There are now seven within a 30-mile radius of Morgantown, which produce X tons of particulates, Y tons of nitrogen oxides (which generate ozone). They also produce Y tons of mercury, an extremely toxic pollutant. At least two new coal-fired electric stations have been proposed for the region: the Longview Power Plant in Maidsville, just north of Morgantown, and GERRP (a "gob" or waste coal burner) in Greene County, Penn. Although these are touted as substantially cleaner than existing power stations, they will add XX tons of nitrogen oxides and YY tons of particulates to current levels levels. Even with tall stacks, much of this pollution settles in the local area. Cars and trucks are another major source of air pollution, including nitrogen compounds and particulates. Their numbers are increasing locally along with the population. National trends suggest as well that people are spending more time in their cars, increasing the amount of pollution per person and per vehicle. Violating the federal standards does more than endanger people's health. There can be serious economic consequences as well. "Non-attainment" of standards may lead to restrictions on federal spending in the affected area. It also makes the region less attractive for tourism and new business. * * * You can help! Individually and collectively, we can make our air clean and safe again. If each of us does a little to reduce pollution, it can make a big difference in local air quality. Drive less. For just one trip each day when you would have used your car, walk or bike instead. Conserve energy at home. Turn off unnecessary lights, electronics and appliances. (A TV cable box in "standby" mode, turned off but not unplugged, may consume nearly 20 watts of electricity.) Fix air leaks around windows and doors. We can also push local, state and federal governments to regulate power-plant emissions and other polluters more effectively. Let your elected officials know -- in person and in writing -- you want cleaner air in the Mon Valley! * * * About the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition We're a partnership of civic organizations, environmental groups and individual citizens concerned about air quality in the Morgantown area. We work together to raise awareness and establish policies to improve the air we breathe. For more information about MVCAC, visit our website at www.monvalleycleanair.org Other online resources include: www.nolongview.org (about the Longview Power project) www.lungaction.org (from the American Lung Association) www.epa.gov/air/data (for actual pollution data)

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Monday 6:30 or 7 pm
by duane330＠aol.com 05 Mar '06

05 Mar '06

To: Participants and Friends of MVCAC. Please attend the regular meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 6th. Come at 6:30 for the social session, with the meeting at 7 pm. Location: Home of Larry and Martha Schwab, 3333 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown. AGENDA ITEMS.................. flyers (500 to 600 were mailed) for Public Hearing donations generated from flyers ($~750); the Evidentiary Hearing, who is testifying, who wants to go down there, who can drive; and what's our next step (aside from the evidentiary hearings) Mon-Earth Concert, coordination by Robert Tower local air monitoring by WV-DEP and possibly by MVCAC local public seminars on clean air projects economic development on Monongalia County

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Meet March 6th @ Larry's
by Duane330＠aol.com 23 Feb '06

23 Feb '06

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MVCAC to meet at the home of Larry and Martha Schwab, 3333 Collins Ferry Road, on Monday, March 6th. Come at 6:30 for the treats; and, the meeting starts at 7 pm. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Paula. Thanks for that very good summary and update on the Hearings. Yes. I think we have a very strong case here; we're on a roll; and we need to get the message out, as much as possible..... Duane 1. West Virginia has more than an adequate number of conventional power plants. If any, the FutureGen plants can have effectively zero emissions. 2. It's time to work on a sustainable society for the future, no increase in carbon dioxide emission that give us the "greenhouse effect". 3. The Longview noise problem looms large for the Ft. Martin community. There is already about one truck per minute on Route 53. 4. The viewshed problem for Longview is now huge; not only is the plant with its 554 foot stack a daytime view spoiler for the residents of Baker's Ridge and others, to be seen from Dorsey's Knob and Cooper's Rock, there is the huge steam plume from the evaporation of 3700 gallons per minute of cooling water. And, the lights of the plant and the lights on the smoke stack will be seen for miles around at night time. There will be "night glow" from this plant located high over the Mon Valley. 5. Won't our electric rates go up due to Longview displacing some of Ft. Martin's power in the dispatch schedule? And, how much extra cost will the Ft. Martin transmission cost become due to the extra congestion on the transmission lines, which are already highly congested? 6. How much of a tax break will Longview receive under the PILOT agreement? These are questions that Longview has been asked by the Public Service Commi ssion. Longview has only said, that we are here only because there is a tax break....... take our tax break away and we'll take our marbles and go home. So, the size of the tax break must be large. Is this fair to Allegheny Energy, who has agreed to install scrubbers a.s.a.p.; is it fair to you and me?

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NOOOO Longview! Hearing, and, What's next?
by paula (pj) hunt 23 Feb '06

23 Feb '06

Sorry it has taken me so long to write this but ..... Dear Everyone, Thank You! Thank you for distributing flyers, passing out stickers, coming to the hearing, and speaking out! I was impressed with how well everyone spoke, I was impressed with the students that turned out and spoke (way to go SSC!). There were a lot of great points brought out. I was also impressed with the number of new faces I saw. Thank you for getting the word out and attending. Here is my take on the whole thing: The administrative law judge, Judge Carter, was very calm and respectful. I guess he was taking good notes -- he sure was writing a lot! Don't believe the Dominion Post: I did not go to the 10 am hearing, but Tim did (as did Duane and Sandy and a few others). The room was half full (about 100 people or less) and maybe, *maybe* half of them were the Union people. From what Tim said, there were probably 7 anti-Longview people for very Longview supporter who spoke. At the 7pm hearing the room was almost full (~200 people) and it appeared that around 3/4 of them were against Longview. Again, there was about a 7 to 1 ratio of speakers against the plant. I wish the Dominion Post would do there "person-on-the-street opinion poll" on Longview! But they know they would not like the answers! So what's next? The Public Service Commission (PSC) is holding an evidentiary hearing (which is like a court hearing) in Charleston. Written testimony was submitted to the PSC in Charleston the same day as the public hearing (Feb 21). The "court" hearing will be in Charleston starting March 21, and will last as long as it takes. People from our side (experts on noise, finances, etc.) will be on the stand, and Longview people and their consultants will be on the stand. [Now we need to raise some $$ for these experts!] Our savior, Phil Gaujot, will argue our side of the case. We cannot lose with Phil on our side. I plan to go down to Chas for at least one day (maybe the fist day?). So let me know if you want a ride down there. Others from this group will be going as well. The Public Service Commission must decide the case by June 27, 2006. This deadline is a statutory deadline and cannot be moved. They have rolled the Siting Certificate and Transmission Line permit into one. so they must decide on both by or on that date. What you can do Write a letter to the Editor of the Dominion Post. Tell the world (or the two people who read the paper) that Longview is not a done deal! You can e mail it to <opinion(a)dominionpost.com> and <newsroom(a)dominionpost.com>. Seriously, the Letters to the Editor is one of the most-read sections of the newspaper. By the way, did you read Ann Turnicky's letter in today's DP? Awesome! Write a letter to the PSC and copy the governor. It is never too late. Details are at the web site: www.nolongview.org Tell everyone you know that Longview is outta here! Longview doesn't have a leg to stand on. Help raise money. We need anything we can get. Send checks to MVCAC, 364 Patteson Dr #188, Morgantown WV 26505. Thanks again. If it weren't for you, construction would have started on Longview a few years ago. Longview is toast! ______________________________________ In closing, I'd like us all to remember the late Holly Rieke. She was a tireless opponent of Longview and a great leader in CALP/MVCAC. I think she is looking down at us and smiling at our achievements right now. - Paula pjhunt(a)xemaps.com www.nolongview.org

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Meetings & Activities..2-21-06
by Duane330＠aol.com 20 Feb '06

20 Feb '06

Dear Participants and Friends...... Tuesday, February 21st at 10 am and 7 pm, the Public Comment Hearings are scheduled at the Erickson Center off Patterson Drive. This will substitute for the MVCAC monthly meeting. The Hearings should be "on topic", which is the 500 kV transmission line running north from the proposed Longview site to a sub-station in Pennsylvania, where it will interconnect with the existing 500 kV line of Allegheny Energy. Adverse electrical interactions could occur between the proposed Longview plant and the Ft. Martin plant on the shared transmission lines, due to voltage control and power line congestion. The competition between Longview and Ft. Martin can be costly to both, and ultimately costly to us, the WV customers for electricity. The remaining issues from the Siting Certificate process, that are still active issues today and "fair game" for the public hearings, are as follows: 1. What is the Longview plant equipment layout, what will it look like up close and far away; will it be safe to Airport traffic with its tall 554 foot smoke stake; and, will the large steam plume from the cooling towers be an obstacle or an eyesore. {"plant layout", "visual perspective", "viewshed issue"} There will be warning lights on the smoke stack and substantial lighting in the rest of the plant, giving rise to "light pollution". 2. What about the noises from the plant, as an annoyance for the Ft. Martin community; what about all the additional car and truck traffic on the local roads, as a source of noise and congestion. 3. What are the risks of financial failure of Longview, who must raise about one billion dollars to build the plant; then, they plan to build and sell immediately, to maximize their payout.......... without "offending" the public interest of the residents of West Virginia. 4. How much will be the tax burden for the Longview plant; will it be fair to Longview; will it be just for the rest of us? [The Payment In Lieu of Taxes [PILOT] scheme of the Mon. County Commission gives Longview a special tax break.] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> P.S. I would propose we have a general meeting of MVCAC on Monday, March 6th, to start preparations for the Evidentiary Hearing to be in Charleston and the Mon-Earth concert......... ....... your comments, please! Happy Presidents' Day. Horray; this month we have three President's Days, the 12th, 20th, and 22nd.

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