To: MVCAC participants and friends:
NOTE: Longview provided "public notice" in the Dominion Post on January 16th of the Hearing set for the Public Service Commission at 9:30 a.m. in Charleston. The Concerned Citizens, including local residents, CLEAR, Citizens for Responsible Development, and the Citizens for Alternative to Longview Power, will be represented to provide testimony on the inconsistencies and impacts in the Longview filing of November 8, 2006. This latter filing seeks changes which include increasing the power output to 695 MW, increasing the size of the boiler and turbine buildings, and increasing the amount of water usage. Longview has provided only meager information on the equipment design and specifications.
See the Notes at the end of the MVCAC Minutes provided below:
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Minutes of the MVCAC
January 8, 2007
The MVCAC met at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with 10 participants in attendance. The meeting began with a report on the application for 501c3 status. The IRS provided some queries to which Paula wrote responses. MVCAC currently has a balance of $391.00 in the checking account. We received a $3000.00 contribution in December. One thousand dollars was sent to Synapse Energy for their costs related to their expert testimony, $1751.00 went to Phil Gaujot for his expenses related to the Longview issues, and $350.00 went for brochures. Paula developed a budget to accompany the 501c3 application.
There was some discussion regarding whether we should develop a formal membership process and dues. A sub-committee was formed to further explore this issue.
The group then discussed the cover letter that Paula had developed to accompany the brochures that we will mail. A few participants provided some suggestions for revisions.
Duane then read Dennis’ report on the appeal of the proposed waste burning (gob) plant at Nemacolin, PA. The appeal was fined by the following Petitioners, namely: Dennis Groce, National Parks Conservation Association, Group Against Smog and Pollution and Phil Coleman. The appeal was turned down, but subsequent action may be feasible. A separate report will be provided shortly.
Duane provided an update on Longview. They have received both their siting and transmission line certificates. In November, Longview proposed to increase the output of the plant from 600 to 695 megawatts. They have argued that this increase will have negligible effects. However, the Concerned Citizens have filed documents with the Public Service Commission to protest, because of the effects that this increase will have on the local environment. Longview wants to increase the amount of water necessary (a 12% increase). Also, the main boiler building will be increased from 257 to 270 feet high. So, the larger building and the greater steam plume represent a greater obstacle to the view shed issue. We are also concerned that the cost to build the plant has escalated to $1.8 billion. The Public Service Commission (PSC) will decide whether the increase in output and its effects constitute a significant change to Longview’s plan. If it does constitute a significant change, the consequences could include a new air quality permit.
Allegheny Energy has concluded that adding scrubbers to the Ft. Martin power plant will cost more money than they originally anticipated. They have asked the PSC to increase their securitization to cover this additional expense. This will add about $3.50 to each household electric bill, until the scrubber are paid for. Duane asked whether MVCAC should send a letter supporting this increase expense, since we would benefit from scrubbers. It was decided that the board would make the final decision regarding whether to send such a letter.
There have been public hearings regarding the proposed power line that will run through West Virginia, PA, MD, and VA. Jim recommended that the MVCAC send a letter to the PSC opposing such a power line and emphasize the problems with the taking of property that would accompany such a power line. Jim has argued that if Allegheny Energy would spend the same amount of $$ on energy conservation as it is proposing to spend on the power line, there would be no need for a power line. Duane spoke to a wire expert with Allegheny Power who stated that if they could upgrade the existing line while it was still being used, there would be no need for a new route.
Jim reported on the proposed co-generation power plant for Greenbrier County. Sierra Club and others are protesting the plant based on several issues, such as the fact that the plant will violate EPA’s new particulate standards and that there is not sufficient energy in the gob they are proposing to use.
Jim passed around a petition related to the Cool Cities effort. The intent of the petition is to persuade the city of Morgantown to sign on to this effort. This would mean the city would agree to take measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, by adopting strategies such as using biofuels, making city buildings more energy efficient, etc. City Council will consider this issue at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on January 30 at 7:00 pm. Please consider attending this meeting to voice your support.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster, Secretary
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NOTE: The Public Service Commission has set a “public hearing” for January 24th at 9:30 am in Charleston, to determine whether the proposed changes to the Longview power plant are significant (“material”) or insignificant (“non-material). The Concerned Citizens as “intervenors” will be present to testify. The public is invited to send comments on whether Longview should be allowed to increase their power output from 600 to 695 megawatts while increasing their water usage by 12% and installing larger buildings on the 160 acre plant site. Based upon past practice, the smoke stack at 554 feet should be redesigned to take into account the other changes including the larger buildings. Longview does not want to consider this redesign. Therefore, Concerned Citizens considers the proposed changes to be “material”, i.e. significant. You can express your opinion and concerns by writing to: Sandra Squire, Executive Secretary, WV Public Service Commission, 201 Brooks Street, Charleston, WV 25323. The letter should contain the following reference: RE: Siting Certificate for Longview Power, LLC.