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Federal pipeline agency shifts focus to cut methane - E&E News
by Duane Nichols 05 Feb '22

05 Feb '22

Federal pipeline agency shifts focus to cut methane - Mike Soraghan, E&E News, January 18, 2022 https://www.eenews.net/articles/federal-pipeline-agency-shifts-focus-to-cut… The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) was given a broad new responsibility by Congress to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and the "thousands" of inquiries it’s planning to make to companies about their methane emissions this year will be some of the earliest tangible signs of that mandate. "Congress was very clear that we must not just reduce these emissions, but we must do all we can to minimize these emissions," Tristan Brown, PHMSA’s deputy administrator, said in a speech late last year. In late 2020, Congress ordered pipeline companies to update their inspections and maintenance plans to find ways to reduce methane emissions. It ordered PHMSA to check those plans with inspections. Meanwhile, the agency is also writing rules on methane, requiring companies to find and fix leaks. It says it’s aiming to have a proposed rule published in the Federal Register by May.

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Allegheny County Health Dept. to U.S. Steel: Air quality mitigation plans unacceptable - resubmit or face possible $25K-a-day fines
by Duane Nichols 03 Feb '22

03 Feb '22

From: GASP, Group Against Smog and Pollution <amanda(a)gasp-pgh.org> > Date: February 3, 2022 at 3:09:02 PM EST > Subject: Allegheny County Health Dept. to U.S. Steel: Air quality mitigation plans unacceptable - resubmit or face possible $25K-a-day fines > > > > Join GASP > > > > > > > > > > > GASP on Wednesday was the first to report that the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) notified U.S. Steel and other major source polluters that emissions mitigation plans submitted to comply with Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rules are “unacceptable,” and ordered them to modify and resubmit paperwork or face possible fines. > > > > You can read all about that Mon Valley Episode Rule here. > > > > In a Jan. 31 Order of Disapproval and Order for Compliance, ACHD notified U.S. Steel that the mitigation plan submitted for its Clairton Coke Works facility was insufficient for myriad reasons. Chief among them: that the 3 percent estimated plantwide reductions in particulate pollution (both PM 10 and PM 2.5) were not great enough. > > “Source is required to resubmit a plan that will reflect a greater reduction of its actual emissions from (30 listed processes) such that said reductions will have an appreciable effect on air quality…during any air pollution episode,” the order noted. > > > > ACHD issued a similar order to the company over mitigation plans submitted for its Edgar Thomson facility in North Braddock – noting among other things that U.S. Steel’s proposed 4 percent reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 are “insufficient.” > > > > Orders were also issued to: > > Clairton Slag in West Elizabeth Township > ELG Metals in McKeesport > TMS (USX Edgar Thomson) > TMS (West Mifflin) > > The companies have a period of 30 days to either resubmit their plans or appeal the ACHD’s decision. Noncompliance could result in fines of up to $25,000 a day. The orders indicate that the current mitigation plans are to remain in effect until the modified documents are submitted. > > While GASP appreciates that ACHD appears to be carefully reviewing the mitigation plans and pushing for greater emissions reductions that better protect ambient air quality and public health, we remain disappointed by the lack of transparency. > > “These mitigation plans are a necessary tool for protecting the public’s health, we don’t see any reason why the health department cannot and should not make these mitigation plans available for public review,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We encourage the health department to post these plans on its website for transparency’s – and accountability’s – sake.” > > Rest assured that GASP will continue to press ACHD on this issue and report back to you what we find out. > > Editor's Note: ACHD on Thursday issued a news release related to the Mon Valley AIr Pollution Episode mitigation plans. You can read more about that on our blog. > Announcement: Allegheny County's Air Pollution Advisory Committee meets Monday. CLICK HERE to get details on that & other upcoming events. > Together, we can make a difference in our region's environment. We won't trade or sell your email address with other organizations or inundate you with messages. Visit our website at gasp-pgh.org or call us at (412) 924-0604 for more information or to become a member today. We can't do this without you! > > > Our mailing address is: > Group Against Smog and Pollution > 1133 South Braddock Avenue > Suite 1A > Edgewood, PA 15218 > > >

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Air Quality Approves Ten Mon Valley Episode Rule Plans, Rejects Six
by Duane Nichols 03 Feb '22

03 Feb '22

From: Allegheny News <AlleghenyNEWS(a)alleghenycounty.us> > Date: February 3, 2022 at 9:17:58 AM EST > Subject: Air Quality Approves Ten Mon Valley Episode Rule Plans, Rejects Six > > > > > FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE > February 3, 2021 > Contact: > Chris Togneri > Public Health Information Officer > 412-578-8312 (office) > Christopher.Togneri(a)AlleghenyCounty.us > > > Air Quality Approves Ten Mon Valley Episode Rule Plans, Rejects Six > > PITTSBURGH –The Allegheny County Health Department has reviewed air emissions mitigation plans for 16 sources that are required to submit such plans under the Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rule; 10 were approved, and six were rejected. > > Enforcement orders identifying deficiencies in the six sources were issued January 31 after the Air Quality Program determined that the submitted plans were inadequate. Sources were instructed to resubmit plans with more information and/or pollution reductions. > > “The Mon Valley Episode Rule is an important and innovative enforcement tool designed to protect people in an area that has long suffered from poor air quality,” Health Department Director Dr. Debra Bogen said. “Everyone has the right to clean air, and our Air Quality program staff will ensure cooperation and compliance from all sources, for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the Mon Valley.” > > Letters of approval and enforcement orders rejecting plans can be found here. > > The Mon Valley Episode Rule, an addition to Article XXI - Air Pollution Control Regulations, was signed into law in September 2021 by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to develop and implement a system to respond to weather-related inversions in the Mon Valley, which can result in episodes of high levels of particulate matter pollution (PM2.5). > > Under the rule, Air Quality staff monitors pollution forecasts for conditions that could lead to an episode. When conditions are likely to exceed acceptable levels for the Mon Valley, sources are required to follow approved mitigation plans to reduce their emissions. Under the direction of the Health Department Director, an Air Pollution Watch is issued when weather conditions are forecast to cause a high concentration of particulates in the Mon Valley, and an Air Pollution Warning is issued when the exceedance occurs and is expected to continue for 24 hours. > > The rule applies to sources within or near the following municipalities: Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Clairton, Dravosburg, Duquesne, East McKeesport, East Pittsburgh, Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forest Hills, Forward, Glassport, Jefferson Hills, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Munhall, North Braddock, North Versailles, Port Vue, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, Versailles, Wall, West Elizabeth, West Mifflin, White Oak, Wilkins, Wilmerding and Whitaker. > > Notifications and alerts will be sent out using Allegheny Alerts. To sign up, go here. Notifications can be sent to you via email, text, and/or phone call. A free subscription is required. > > More information on the Episode Rule can be found here. > > # # # > > > Debra L. Bogen, MD, Director > Allegheny County Health Department – Public Information Office > 542 Fourth Avenue │ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 > Phone: 412-687-ACHD (2243) │ Fax: 412-578-8325 > www.alleghenycounty.us/healthdepartment > > Follow us: allegheny alerts | facebook | instagram | linkedin | twitter | youtube

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Tuscarawas Bargain Hunter | We can all make a difference in the world
by Duane Nichols 25 Jan '22

25 Jan '22

https://tuscarawasbargainhunter.bluefoot.dev/news/columnists/we-can-all-mak… We can all make a difference in the world Published 7:07 am Jan 19, 2022 Seven years ago this month, I started writing columns for the Bargain Hunter. My very first column was about the chemicals in foods. For the past seven years I’ve tried to make each column an informative fact-based piece with topics that are important to readers. It often takes several days to get a column ready. I access peer reviewed data and seek out sources and quotes for most of the columns. As a scientist, I deal in facts, not fluff. During these many years I have had positive feedback from readers and have made many new friends. As much as I have educated my audience, you have educated me. I remember getting two phone calls from readers about the use of leg-hold traps for bobcats. After investigating, I wrote about the issue and testified at the public hearing in Columbus. The hearing was heavily attended and thankfully the use of these horrendous traps was denied. As a former teacher, the column became a way for me to educate readers about issues that are very significant in their lives. My students have often told me my knack of simplifying complex scientific topics was my best asset. I am a nerd, I love science. Sadly, I see our nation becoming less and less science literate, and I worry how the next generation will deal with complex issues that require science literacy. Some of the many topics discussed during the years include: the value of hemp, the dangers of PFAS (Teflon component), the risks of sun exposure, my trip to see the total eclipse, renewable energy, the benefits of forests, organic farming, and the health benefits of berries. I have tackled other topics, some local and some national, many that involve legislation. I find the lack of public participation in the political realm of our nation disturbing. By discussing some of these laws, especially those targeting science-related topics, I hoped to encourage more public participation. I’ve been an environmentalist most of my life. From the time I first read "Silent Spring" and saw the Cuyahoga River catch fire, I knew this was my path in life. I make no apologies for my columns. I continue to believe the climate crisis is the most crucial issue of our lives. Afterall, it we don’t have a livable planet what does it matter if we have a designer handbag or a new SUV? But the human race is good at lying. We lie to ourselves that humans aren’t the problem. We lie to ourselves that we don’t really need to change our unsustainable lifestyles to save the planet. We lie to ourselves that technology will save us. We lie to ourselves that we’d do anything for our kids; anything except address the climate crisis. And of course, our media lies to us all by omission. Avoiding the topic of climate change will not make the carbon dioxide levels drop. However, an email statement forwarded to me this week, written by senior management of the Bargain Hunter said, “Our management and advertising partners would like to see our publications avoid politics (especially state/national), environmental commentary, abortion, and other hot topics – which in the end doesn’t translate well to Randi’s typical content.” In essence, the very topic that is by far the most important in the history of the planet, the topic that we can no longer afford to ignore, is now to be “avoided.” Why is climate change a disturbing topic for the “management and advertising”? I am not a fan of censorship, so sadly this will be my last column. I will continue to speak truth to power on other platforms of social media. I will miss the opportunity to reach out to my readers and share the research on these timely topics. Remember, we can all make a difference in the world, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

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FYI ~ The ‘Science Center’ needs an air quality permit. All else I know is adverse to this facility ...DGN
by Duane Nichols 14 Jan '22

14 Jan '22

1. The information below indicates why ‘Marion Energy’ needs an Air Permit. JK 2. Northeast Natural Energy and Marion Energy Partners kept this plan secret even from the managers of the Morgantown Industrial Park and the Mon County Commission, both of whom are involving with spending public funds to sustain and improve the Park. Even the fact of a secret project was not disclosed to these local entities! DGN 3. I have been told in writing that this project is for “gas combustion research.” My reply was, “this does not hold water.” I can understand why they don’t want publicity about cryptocurrency and the unnecessary polluting of the Mon River valley. I cannot conceive of any logical purpose that fits the facts as we know them. DGN 4. They also told me they had made no final plans to proceed. I would call this an understatement, because even the information that has been released is not well defined. That doesn’t mean that our air quality is protected. DGN 5. There is information part of the multi-year “Marcellus Shale Energy & Environment Laboratory” project that is relevant to siting, raw gas supply, facility construction, ancillary equipment specifications, and sustained operating conditions. Some of this information is not now available, but will become public later this year. This includes information to design and operate the oxidation catalyst units effectively. Does the WV-DEP want all the information? DGN 6. Noise and other possible nuisances are relevant issues, but will receive secondary (if any) consideration. There are bit-coin mining facilities In other states where there are significant noise complaints. DGN 7. I have heard no descriptors that indicate this is not a bit-coin mining operation. To the contrary, at some other locations, bit-coin mining facilities are called ‘data centers’ and attempt to operate 365/24. Bit-coin mining is now a hot topic internationally and, yes, elsewhere in West Virginia (Parkersburg, Marion-Mercer-McDowell counties) because the potential payouts look huge. DGN 8. The proposed facility does need an air quality permit. They may need to modify this draft and/or get a different permit if they choose an evaporation - cooling system. They do not need to go before the Public Service Commission. JK NOTE. 45-CSR-13 section 2.24 defines a "Stationary Source" as a facility that discharges more than 10 Tons Per Year (TPY) of any regulated air pollutant, or more than 5 TPY of Hazardous Air Pollutants. 45-CSR-13 section 5.1 specifies that no person may construct a "Stationary Source" without a permit. This is also confirmed in section 2.3 of the draft permit. Table 3 of the Engineering Evaluation for R13-3533 indicates that these thresholds are exceeded for NOx (66 TPY), CO (33 TPY) and VOCs (33 TPY), as well as total HAPs 14.4 TPY and formaldehyde (6.68 TPY). When these emission rates are compared on the basis of pounds per MMBTU, the levels of NOx authorized exceed those allowed under the Operating permit for the Longview coal-fired power plant (R30-06100134-2018) by a factor of approximately 2.6. The VOC levels proposed for the Marion Energy facility exceed those of Longview by 21 times. JK Duane Nichols & Jim Kotcon

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Charleston Gazette ~ Proposed ‘Science Facility’ in Morgantown Industrial Park
by Duane Nichols 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

Morgantown residents, elected officials demand more information about proposed data processing facility seeking air permit >>> From an Article by Mike Tony, Charleston Gazette, January 12, 2022 West Virginia environmental regulators’ meeting to take public input on and explain an air quality permit application for a data processing facility in Morgantown yielded more questions than answers Tuesday night. An engineer with the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Quality struggled to answer questions about what Marion Energy Partners LLC intends to do at the facility during the virtual meeting, saying that regulators were limited in what information they could require from the company. Morgantown-based Marion Energy Partners applied in August for an air quality permit to construct and operate a data processing facility which consists of four natural gas-fired engines so that the facility can generate its own electricity around the clock. The facility’s name is listed as “Science Facility” in a filing with the Department of Environmental Protection. But when Morgantown residents and elected officials asked Division of Air Quality engineer Edward S. Andrews for more information about the nature of planned operations at the facility, Andrews had little to offer. “The best we know from the application is that it’s going to be a data center,” Andrews said. The Division of Air Quality's jurisdiction only encompasses emission sources, and unless they are powering a secondary source, the division has no authority to factor what that source is being used for into its permitting process, Department of Environmental Protection acting spokesman Terry Fletcher said in an email Wednesday. Marion Energy Partners could not be reached for comment. Brett Loflin, who joined Northeast Natural Energy as vice president of regulatory affairs in 2010, declined to comment on plans for the facility in an email Wednesday. “As this potential project is in its infancy with detailed plans still being developed, we don’t have anything to add to the story today,” Loflin said. The permit application was submitted on Marion Energy Partners’ behalf by Charleston-based SLR Consulting, with representatives of Northeast Natural Energy, a Charleston-headquartered oil and gas exploration company, copied on email correspondence with environmental regulators. Representatives of SLR Consulting did not respond to a request for comment. The site is believed to be designed to provide electricity for cryptocurrency mining, a process of creating new units of digital currency that requires large amounts of energy for computing. The virtual meeting attracted more than 40 attendees and lasted two hours. Commenters demanded more information about the project and urged the DEP not to grant the permit. “Morgantown and the Monongalia community is being treated like a mushroom,” said Bill Reger-Nash, a retired public health professor West Virginia University and former state delegate. “That is, we’re kept in the dark and we’re surrounded with horse manure.” Fletcher said that the state has permitted what he called similar sources in West Virginia: a computing center for the U.S. Department of the Treasury in Berkeley County, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Clarksburg site and a military training facility for the West Virginia National Guard in Preston County. “The WVDEP cannot speculate as to the nature of operations at these facilities, nor are the permittees required to disclose that information,” Fletcher said. “DAQ's jurisdiction over these sites begins and ends with the emission sources.” But Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, said Wednesday that he will draft legislation to address permit applicants not specifying planned operations when seeking environmental permits. Hansen, an environmental consultant, said that Marion Energy Partners’ application was the first he had seen where the purpose of the facility was not stated. “For public transparency, and to allow the permitting agency to properly vet the permit, every application should clearly state the facility’s purpose,” Hansen said. Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, said Northeast Energy should be given an opportunity to “demonstrate that they want to be good neighbors” by meeting with people who will be affected by the facility and their representatives. “Those who are nearby this project deserve to have a more straight-forward explanation about the pros and cons of the project,” Fleischauer said in an email Wednesday. Morgantown city officials joined Hansen and Fleischauer in raising concerns about the permit application during Tuesday night’s meeting. Morgantown Mayor Jenny Selin lamented that the WV-DEP was not requiring more specificity about plans for the facility, while Morgantown City Council member Bill Kawecki expressed doubt that the facility would offer any economic benefit to the community. “[I]n the absence of any other information, this project is unacceptable,” Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition coordinator and Morgantown resident Duane Nichols said. No emission units, natural gas production equipment or preconstruction activities were observed at the site during an October Division of Air Quality inspection. The nearest residential dwelling is about 1,128 feet away from the center of the site, with some businesses roughly half that amount away, according to state environmental regulators, who found that the site is appropriate for the proposed emission units. The draft permit sets emissions limits for each engine of 16.69 tons per year of nitrogen oxides and 33.68 tons per year of carbon monoxide. Each engine is to be equipped with an oxidation catalyst air pollution control device, according to the permit. Marion Energy Partners is required to obtain a permit in part because the four proposed engines’ potential emissions exceed 6 pounds per hour and 10 tons per year for nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. SLR Consulting principal engineer Jesse Hanshaw told Andrews in an August email that gas from a local gathering pipeline would provide an uninterrupted supply of fuel to the data center, according to DEP documents. Hanshaw indicated in another August email that gas from Northeast Natural Energy would be entering the pipeline. “One of my biggest concerns is that there are no apparent local benefits,” Hansen said. “ … No jobs, economic benefits, or community benefits. But what the community does get is increased air emissions and noise pollution. Plus greenhouse gas emissions.” Air quality-related comments on the draft permit must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, and can be emailed to Andrews at Edward.S.Andrews(a)wv.gov with “Marion Energy Partners LLC” in the subject line. Comments not related to air quality may be emailed to depadvocate(a)wv.gov with “Marion Energy Partners LLC” in the subject line. Documents can be accessed at https://dep.wv.gov/daq/permitting/Pages/NSR-Permit-Applications.aspx. Source: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/energy_and_environment/morgantown-reside… Sent from my iPad

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Concerns About Pollution from ‘Secret Center’ in Morgantown Industrial Park
by Duane Nichols 13 Jan '22

13 Jan '22

https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2022/01/13/concerns-about-pollution-from-%e2%8… Concerns About Pollution from “Data Center” in Morgantown Industrial Park The Morgantown Industrial Park is across the Monongahela River from the City of Morgantown, and it is across River Road from the Skyview Elementary and Westwood Middle Schools at Westover, WV Secretive ‘science facility’ seems like a major polluter From the Opinion Editor, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, WV, January 13, 2022 Usually, when a new business or industry makes its home around Morgantown, local politicians and business advocates are positively abuzz, talking to anyone who will listen and promoting the area’s newest addition. But that’s not the case with the mysterious “science facility/data processing center” coming to the Morgantown Industrial Park. So far, the only thing we know is that Marion Energy Partners applied to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for a permit for its 10,000-square-foot facility. The center’s four natural gas-fired engines — operating 24/7/365 — would pull natural gas from a nearby Northeast Natural Energy well pad. (Northeast Natural Energy appears to be Marion Energy Partners’ parent company.) Nothing else is really known, though it’s suspected the new facility will be a cryptocurrency mining operation. As we reported Wednesday, cryptocurrency mining uses banks of specialized computers to validate blockchain transactions for a specific cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) in order to receive percentages of said currency in return. The process is extremely energy intensive and has come under fire for its massive carbon footprint. Essentially, what Monongalia County is looking at is a carbon- and air pollution-spewing factory that creates few, if any, jobs or economic opportunity. It’s immensely concerning that a major polluter could be setting up shop in our backyard and no one knows anything about it. Neither company will respond to requests for comment, and even the Monongalia County Commission is being tight-lipped about the project. (Despite its name, the Morgantown Industrial Park is outside city limits.) Mon County residents are well within their rights to demand more information. Air pollution is never confined to the area where it is emitted, and we’d want to a see a plan from Northeast Natural Energy and/or Marion Energy Partners that details how they would protect the community from any toxins or chemicals the facility ejects. We’d also like to see the companies’ proposals for offsetting the center’s carbon emissions. In a consumer-driven economy, some trade-offs are to be expected. For example: Accepting some pollution in exchange for well-paying jobs and a measurable boost to the local economy. That’s why coal mines are still welcomed in most of West Virginia. However, there isn’t enough information about the center publicly available to make a list of pros and cons. At the moment, the proposed facility seems to offer no jobs, no tangible product and little-to-no benefit to taxpayers. If you, too have concerns about the secretive center, contact the WV-DEP by 5 p.m. today, January 13th. Send air quality-related comments to: edward.s.andrews(a)wv.gov. Include “Marion Energy Partners LLC” in the subject line. Non-air quality related comments can be emailed to depadvocate(a)wv.gov. And after you’ve emailed the WV-DEP, please contact our commissioners and let them know the community would like more information on this “science facility.” You can call 304-291-7257. (Please be polite to whomever answers the phone.) You can also send letters to 243 High St., Room 202, Courthouse, Morgantown, WV, 26505. The commission meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the address listed above, if you would like to convey your concerns in person. (Five minutes per person). URL: https://www.dominionpost.com/2022/01/12/secretive-science-facility-seems-li…

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Proposed ‘Data Center’ in Morgantown Industrial Park ~ More Questions
by Duane Nichols 12 Jan '22

12 Jan '22

https://www.frackcheckwv.net/2022/01/11/proposed-%e2%80%98data-center%e2%80… Proposed ‘Data Center’ in Morgantown Industrial Park ~ More Questions The Morgantown Industrial Park already has 20 or so businesses QUESTIONS for W. V. Department of Environmental Protection about a ‘Science Facility’ 1/11/22 RE: Proposed Permit R13-3533, ‘Science Facility’ ~ Marion Energy Partners, LLC 1. Why locate the ‘Science Facility’ along side an existing gas well where there are hazards and dangers of toxic fumes, explosive leaks or future space needs to plug or otherwise service the well. Can cigarette butts, static electricity, or random lightning bolts perform an ignition on a leaking stream from casing cracks or faulty gaskets or valves? 2. Where is the “gathering line” that will supply the Facility? Will a feeder pipeline system be installed? Will it involve traps or filters, dehumidifiers, pressure regulators and/or metering hardware? What monitoring will be provided for leaks? 3. How can operating personnel or people nearby detect feed system leaks or gas well leaks if no odorant is present in the raw natural gas being piped into the Facility thru the aforesaid equipment? Mercaptans or other sulfur containing compounds are needed for safety? 4. Since raw feeder gas will contain a variety of trace components, how will deactivation of the oxidation catalyst by impurities in the gas be monitored in real time and catalyst regeneration and/or replacement be performed in a timely manner? 5. Inefficient operation of this Facility and/or poor oxidation catalyst performance can transform the emissions into the “major source” category. How will WV-DEP plan to prevent such occurrences? The operations plan is therefore faulty? 6. Given the WV Code § 22-1-1, b-10, viz. “ To promote pollution prevention by encouraging reduction or elimination of pollutants at the source through process modification, material substitutions, in-process recycling, reduction of raw material use or other source reduction opportunities.” What has WV-DEP done, or can still do, to satisfy this responsibility? It would appear that the carbon dioxide pollution is massive and is uncontrolled? 7. Reduction of pollution and of raw material use is feasible. The electrical power to serve a GIS graphics computer workstation, a large screen video display, a data logger and a color printer plotter would be advised, and sufficient for a science center and data center. These can be powered from conventional 120 volt AC circuits, thus eliminating the need for any natural gas fired engines. Can the site here be served with utility supplied electricity? 8. Will the tail pipe option be present on the natural gas engines? Will exhaust pipes connect to an exhaust header and then connected to one 200 foot stack, or will four stacks be installed? 9. Reworking or expansion of local existing wells may be needed to supply the Facility, if so should not the emissions therefrom, due to diesel engines and truck exhausts, be considered as episodes at this location, as part of normal operations which are 24/7 by 365 for the Facility? This consideration would in any case advise against the construction of any such Facility as that proposed in a populated area? 10. Should this permit application be considered premature since the results of the multi-year study entitled “Marcellus Shale Energy & Environment Laboratory” have not run to fruition, because the results which influence this site and feed gas are not known to the site owners, to the WV-DEP, or to the general public (all of whom are to be served by these very studies)? Not every application, including this one, deserves to be approved? Duane Nichols, Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition Morgantown, WV 26508 >>>>>>………………>>>>>>………………>>>>>> SEE ALSO: Draft Permit R13-3533 for Marion Energy Partners, LLC, “Science Center” (‘data center’) for Morgantown Industrial Park TO LISTEN IN OR PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC MEETING ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 11th at 6:00 PM, REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING LINK ~ https://forms.gle/vZvJirkUKayGee1W7 >>>>>>………………>>>>>>………………>>>>>> Details on how to download the Draft Permit R13-3533, the application and other materials regarding the permit decision are available at: https://dep.wv.gov/daq/permitting/Pages/NSR-Permit-Applications.aspx The Division of Air Quality will accept written comments until 5 p.m. Jan. 13, by email to: Edward.S.Andrews(a)wv.gov with “Marion Energy Partners Comments” in the subject line, or by regular mail to Edward Andrews, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality, 601 57th St. SE, Charleston, WV 25304. xxx See also: www.FrackCheckWV.net Sent from my iPad

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Proposed “Science Facility” (aka “data center”) in Morgantown Industrial Park
by Duane Nichols 02 Jan '22

02 Jan '22

Letter to the Editor, Morgantown Dominion Post, Published January 2, 2022 Mysterious operation could be big polluter A presumed cryptocurrency mining operation appears to be headed for the Morgantown Industrial Park — adjacent to Skyview Elementary and Westwood Middle schools, as well as numerous residences and businesses, and located just across the Mon River from Morgantown. It has the potential to affect air quality, noise and other aspects of our quality of life. Marion Energy Partners LLC, a company having the same address and contact person as Northeast Natural Gas, recently obtained a draft air-quality permit from the state for a “Science Facility.” The facility will run 24/7/365 with power generated via untreated natural gas from a nearby Northeast Natural Gas well. The draft permit has no Best Available Control Technology analysis, has relatively high greenhouse gas emissions allowances and does not consider aggregation of emissions, despite the well pad and the facility having the same ultimate owner. It has no noise limits and no restriction on the quantity of electronic waste it will produce. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality is holding a virtual public meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 11, where you can find out more. Register before 5 p.m. Jan. 11 at: https://forms.gle/vZvJirkUKayGee1W7 and you’ll receive an e-mail on how to join the public meeting. If you prefer to participate by phone, please call the DEP-DAQ at 304-926-0475 before Jan. 11. Details on how to download the draft permit, the application and other materials regarding the permit decision are available at: https://dep.wv.gov/daq/permitting/Pages/NSR-Permit-Applications.aspx (Permit Application R13-3533). The Division of Air Quality will accept written comments until 5 p.m. Jan. 13, by email to Edward.S.Andrews(a)wv.gov with “Marion Energy Partners Comments” in the subject line, or by regular mail to Edward Andrews, WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Air Quality, 601 57th St. SE, Charleston, WV 25304. Paula Hunt, Morgantown

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Proposed Science Center in Mgtn. Industrial Park
by DUANE NICHOLS 16 Dec '21

16 Dec '21

Sean. Please let me know anytime you can what is proposed for a Science Center. It sure sounds fishy to me, as I’ve been doing science since 1953. I started a Physics Department at a small college and was head of the Department for five years. I also served as Director of the Nuclear Radiation Laboratory after training by the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. Then, years later in my last full time job, I supervised data acquisition and processing for CONSOL R & D; this included on-site work inside coal fired electric generating stations. I can tell you more about digital computers, computation algorithms, on-line data transfer, and output modes, as time allows. Your work on expanding internet access will be beneficial to many of our residents. The bandwidth or data rate should not be compromised by facilities not in the public interest. And, at some point in time, our county needs to take climate change seriously? There could even be foreign companies behind some of the confidential financing that goes into West Virginia, certainly out-of-state ones. If it is a Bitcoin Mining Center, or other gaming scheme, our organization wants to oppose it. If we don’t find out something soon, I would assume that it is not in the public interest? Thank you for all you do in the public interest. Duane Nichols, Coordinator Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition

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