Let me provide some information and make a few requests:
1. The MVCAC checking account balance as of 11/30/08 was $1555.58. [A check for $248.00 was payed earlier in November].
2. If we take up a collection at each meeting of the MVCAC and document the individual contributors, then we can help to satisfy our IRS guidelines for our 501(c)3 status. I'll give Paula my check for $20. this week.
3. I make a motion that we renew our Post Office Box no. 4679 for another year under the provision that we will not renew for 2010 unless we double our membership (or active participants).
4. I make a motion that we renew our membership in the West Virginia Environmental Council, and ask Paula to send in our annual dues (unless this has already been done).
5. I suggest that we invite a representative of the Group Against Smog & Pollution [GASP] from Pittsburgh to our next meeting, with the intention to consider a joint (co-operative) agreement with GASP for a one-year trial period. [[GASP has a portable meter for PM 2.5 that could be demonstrated.] [I would be willing to make the contact, or defer to others.]
6. Now we know that the water quality of the Monongahela River influences the air quality in the Monongahela River valley and beyond, given that those powerplants using river water in their evaporative cooling towers have been experiencing problems from the high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the river water. Therefore, we can raise this issue in the public press and before the state agencies.
7. The third meeting on the quality of the Mon River will be held this Friday at 10 am in the Airport Annex (lower level). The Director of the Water and Wastewater Division of the WV-DEP will be there to discuss the TDS problem(s). The meeting host is the Upper Mon River Association. [See _www.uppermon.org_ (http://www.uppermon.org) ]
8. I propose that we take a position of continued opposition to the TrAIL power line as well as the proposed PATH line. These lines are not "smart gird" lines, they were not designed to optimize the delivery of electricity from alternative energy sources, they encourage and support power plants that produce high levels of carbon dioxide, and given the need for energy conservation in the nation--these transmission lines are not needed.
9. I move that we take a position in opposition to proposed coal gasification plants, whether for electricity generation or coal- derived hydrocarbon liquids, because these proposed plants have no demonstrated means for carbon dioxide control or containment. One such plant has been proposed for Mingo County in southern West Virginia and another is under consideration for Marshall Co. in the northern panhandle by CONSOL Energy.
We're off to the viewing and funeral for my step-father.
Duane
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