MVCAC Minutes August 22, 2005 The August 22nd meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Martha and Larry Schwab with 14 members in attendance. Duane began the meeting by reminding the group about the Media Committee's campaign to have members attend City Council meetings or write letters to the editor. Deb reported on her visit to a City Council meeting. She discussed pulmonary physiology and the effects of ozone and particulates on the respiratory system. Her presentation was well-received. Don Spencer's feedback for our group was that we should develop specific actions that City Council can take. Deb suggested the development of an awareness of air quality on Council and persuading the Dominion Post to publish a daily air quality index. The group discussed the fact that an air quality index is available on-line. The Air Quality Index can be found at: _www.epa.gov/airnow_ (http://www.epa.gov/airnow) Duane announced that the appeal of the Monongalia County Circuit Court's decision to dismiss the lawsuit in regard to the PILOT agreement for Longview Power had been filed by attorney Robert Bastress. Phil Gaujot reviewed the appeal prior to the filing. Duane also announced that Phil would like to represent our group at the Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the Longview application for a transmission line permit (when it is filed). Karen Woodfork has continued discussion with Boggs Environmental about the air monitoring equipment. They said they would "probably" be interested. Duane and Karen will be meeting about monitoring, and he asked Larry to join them. Jarrett's appeal of the air quality permit issued to Longview Power is still active in the Kanawha County Circuit Court. He provided information from FERC showing that we did not need a 500 kV transmission line. Jarrett also shared a letter dated 12/05/04 that he had obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It was from the FAA to Longview Power. In it, the FAA indicated that the proposed stack height was an obstruction hazard, that public comment should be solicited, and that, at the time of the letter, the stack should not be built. [See also: _www.oeaaa.faa.gov_ (http://www.oeaaa.faa.gov/) ]. Duane discussed the noise issues related to the proposed Longview plant. The PSC opened up only the noise portion of the siting certificate rules for reconsideration. The PSC ordered the establishment of a task force to further study the noise issue. Duane suggested that those members of our group who have been identified by the PSC as being able to serve on the task force have an opportunity to reply to the PSC this week. Dennis reported on the appeal of the permit for the coal waste burning power plant in Nemacolin (Greene Energy or GERRP). The co-appellants, are the National Parks Conservation Association, Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), Phil Coleman (Fayette County resident north of the plant), and Dennis Groce (Fayette County resident south of the plant). They are represented by attorney Tom Buchele of the Pitt Environmental Law Clinic. If you would like to help on the GERRP issue, there are several things you can do. Eventually, the appellants will need money to cover the cost of transcribing depositions and for expert witnesses. And, there are several parks/wilderness areas that would be affected by this plant. These include Shenandoah Nat'l Park, Otter Creek Wilderness, James River Face Wilderness, and Otter Creek Wilderness Area. If you have visited (used) those areas and are concerned about the likelihood of their degradation by the GERRP and if you join GASP, you will have the opportunity, as described by attorney Elizabeth Rosemeyer, to complete an "...affidavit stating when and how you've used the areas, and how long you've been a GASP member. As a declarant, you could be called (although it would be unlikely) to testify at the hearing about what you say in your statement." To learn about GASP and how to join, visit: http://www.gasp-pgh.org/. You can join for as little as $35. Dennis joined GASP last fall and has have found them to be a good organization. They provide timely reminders of relatively local/regional issues. Also, they didn't have to join in the appeal of GERRP, but they have become involved in not only this appeal, but also the appeal of the Beech Hollow plant in Robinson Township. They are also active in creating opposition to other regional proposals. They are sort of focused on Pittsburgh, but the Beech Hollow and GERRP appeals demonstrate that they do respond to a wider base of concerns. Please consider joining GASP for this specific project, and communicate with Liz Rosemeyer if you have used any of the Class I areas. You can contact Dennis for information at: _d_mgroce@labyrinth.net_ (mailto:d_mgroce@labyrinth.net) Paul B. read an email from Jim Kotcon to the City Council congratulating them for signing on to the Urban Environmental Accords, which call for cities to develop policies to provide such things as increased access to public transportation, access to safe drinking water, the use of renewable energy, etc. Jim suggested that, while signing on was admirable, Council should also develop initiatives to implement the accords, and he provided a number of examples.
Duane reported that Allegheny Energy has applied for permission to sell environmental control bonds to finance the building of scrubbers on the Ft. Martin Plant. [H.B. 2849]. Duane informed the group that we have been invited to join the WV Environmental Council (WVEC). According to their website, their mission is to "facilitate communication and cooperation among citizens in promoting environmental protection in West Virginia, to assist in organizing grass roots groups, to facilitate interaction among established environmental organizations, and to correspond with all appropriate local, state, and federal agencies involved in the management of West Virginia's environment." After some discussion, Bill moved that we join, Paula seconded, and the motion passed without dissent. The WVEC would like us to let them know what our legislative agenda is, as they spend time lobbying in Charleston. One suggestion was that they try to change state legislation that does not allow state agencies to go beyond federal standards for controlling greenhouse gases. Another suggestion was related to the generation of power by private citizens. Currently, state law permits citizens only to break even on selling energy back to the power company. That is, they can sell as much as they use, but they cannot make a profit. Duane announced that the WVEC is having their 17th Annual Fall Conference on 10/16-10/18. For more information, visit their website at: _http://www.wvecouncil.org_ (http://www.wvecouncil.org/) Linda asked Paul B. about what was happening with the university, and his resolution that was passed (without dissent) by the Faculty Senate during the May 9, 2005 meeting. The resolution was: Be it resolved, (1) that the Faculty Senate commit themselves to work together with the administration of West Virginia University to incorporate ecologically sound principles in the construction and renovation of all University property and the operation of University equipment, including vehicles. The objectives of these practices would be to achieve lower costs, reduce or reverse environmental damage, and provide a healthier workplace. Such practices will include, but are not limited to, green architecture (the use of building materials which are environmentally friendly, inexpensive and efficient, and structural designs which take advantage of natural heating and lighting); energy self-sufficiency (through the use of solar power and energy efficiency); recycling; and alternative transportation (such as peripheral parking and shuttle buses, and natural gas-powered vehicles). Be it further resolved, (2) that West Virginia University will work with other entities, including governmental agencies at all levels, businesses, and private citizens, to provide expertise and financial incentives to follow similar practices in the public and private sectors. Be it further resolved, (3) that West Virginia University will develop local expertise within the University, government agencies and the private sector for economical and effective implementation of these practices. Paul indicated that he was going to arrange a meeting with Provost Lang at WVU to discuss the resolution. Peter V. suggested that Paul request the establishment of an environmental law clinic at the WVU Law School. It was also suggested that Paul recommend that an environmental health clinic be established at the medical center. Larry S. acknowledged the contributions of Holly Rieke to our cause, who passed away in late July. Holly was a tireless advocate for causes such as clean air. She will be sorely missed. Paula announced that the Friends of Deckers Creek Carp Fest is scheduled for October 8, and we could have an information table there. We now have an EIN number and will be applying for 501c3 status shortly. The next MVCAC meeting will be held on Monday, September 26 at the home of Martha and Larry Schwab. Arrive at 6:30 for the social half hour. The meeting will begin at 7:00. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster, Secretary [August 27, 2005].