I agree with Dennis' suggested strategy. Linda
At 11:30 PM 5/12/05 -0400, Dennis and Marcia Groce wrote:
Friends -
Based on Jim's last two messages regarding the FAA/Longview stack height issue, I really have to question why anyone, let alone MVCAC, would be asking the FAA to reduce the stack height.
We have no assurance that a reduced stack height will not result in an increase in pollution levels. In fact, it's almost certain that the pollution levels in Fort Martin community, Point Marion, and other nearby downwind communities will increase if the stack height is reduced. We have, in the past, argued against Longview because it represents additional pollution on top of what Fort Martin and others already generate. By arguing for a reduced stack height, we would now be saying we are happy to have still MORE pollution from Longview (over and abovve what is now contemplated) - just so we reduce the visibility of the stack. I would point out that Fort Martin community will see the stack 24/7 unless the height is nearly zero. If you want to talk about visibility, talk to them.
No offense to the visibility sensitivities of the Mon County gentry, but all I can say to them is "Breathe deep, open your eyes, and enjoy. That's what the folks in Fort Martin and Fayette County will have to do. The difference is that they'll suffer more due to the increased pollution."
I'd say the better strategy is to tell FAA that Longview has convinced us that the stack absolutely must be that high, and that if a stack of that height interferes with air safety, the FAA will just have to make a choice between (a) Longview's proposed stack with less air safety and poor public health, or (b) no Longview stack, resulting in better air safety and better public health. I think we should insist on an Environmental Impact Statement. That's always been on our wish list. Whatever can be done to put teeth into our demand for an EIS should be done.
Speaking of visibility, I'd say that everyone who supports Longview ought to demonstrate their position by walking around wearing a miniature smokestack on their head. The resemblance to a dunce cap would be purely coincidental, I'm sure. They would be known as the Smokers. They could organize into local Smoking lodges, and meet and wear their hats during the meetings, and have fun by breathing SO2, NOx, mercury, lead, arsenic, and any variety of other exotic emissions. It sounds sort of risky, but they could make it all worthwhile, of course, by drinking copious quantities of the cleaned mine water that's being produced. That should make them real happy. At least it's supposed to make Fayette County residents happy.
Dennis
P.S. Duane - If you have a list that covers people that Jim's list isn't reaching, please forward this to them. Thanks.
At 07:21 PM 5/12/2005, James Kotcon wrote:
I am sure that any significant reduction in stack height would require new modeling of pollutant dispersal. Whether it would significantly alter local pollutant levels or deposition is a question best answered by such computer dispersion models.
JBK
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Linda I. Shuster, Ph.D. website: http://www.wvu.edu/~speechpa/shust.html Associate Professor Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology PO Box 6122 805 Allen Hall West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506 Telephone: 304-293-4241 x1840 Fax: 304-293-7565