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@aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) ) and John Gever (_jgever@nasw.org_ (mailto:jgever@nasw.org) )
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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)