Minutes Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition (MVCAC) December 5, 2005 The MVCAC met on Monday, December 5 at the Prete Building on University Avenue with 11 members and two guests in attendance. Duane began the meeting by handing out a brochure that was created for the Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association (CLEAR) by John Gever and Cliff Harvey. Both John and Cliff attended the meeting. Duane suggested that John and Cliff develop a brochure for MVCAC. John suggested that we decide on a focus for the brochure (e.g., education). Duane recommended that we put some information together and then give it to John and Cliff to develop a "draft" brochure. The group agreed that this was a good idea. We have sent a letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting to be interveners in the application for a transmission line certificate by Longview Power. Although the PSC has not yet responded, Phil does not anticipate that this request will be denied. Duane suggested that we needed some experts to provide testimony, and Phil stated that would be good if they are recognized experts. Phil will compile a list of questions and send it to the lawyer for Allegheny Power (Allegheny will also be an intervener). Jarrett mentioned that Longview will require a switchyard, and it was not clear who would pay for this. Duane reported that Jarrett's appeal of Longview's air quality permit is being taken to the WV Supreme Court by Mary Ann Maul. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is allowing Longview to build its proposed stack, despite the fact that its height exceeds FAA guidelines. We could appeal this decision, but Mary Ann Maul has suggested that we do not have the time or resources. Jarrett will work with Patrick McGinley at the Law School to use FOIA to obtain documents from the FAA related to this decision. So far, the FAA has not responded to either Jarrett's or Duane's attempts to obtain these documents under FOIA. Jarrett is continuing to monitor Longview's attempts to obtain a storm water permit. The permit must be awarded to the plant owner, however, it is unlikely that Longview will actually own the plant at any time. The PSC has scheduled a hearing on the proposed scrubbers for the Ft. Martin plant on February 22, 2006. Billy Jack Gregg, the consumer advocate, hired a consultant to study the issue. The consultant recommended that some administrative and other costs of the scrubber project come from Allegheny, so that not all of the cost is passed on to the public. The consultant made other important recommendations regarding the procedures to be required of Allegheny Energy. It was decided that MVCAC would support the scrubber project under the strict conditions recommended by the consultant. We are still trying to arrange for air quality monitoring in Mon County. It does not appear that Boggs Environmental will be able to help us any time soon. Deb spoke with someone at DEP who said he would be happy to give us a tour of the monitor at the airport. Deb also stated that the Sundogs program is being launched at Cheat Lake Middle School in the next few weeks. Cindy is working on trying to get us a spot at the annual Health Fair to be held early next year, perhaps by mid February. She suggested that it would be nice to have the brochures completed by that time. John Gever brought up the issue of non-point sources of pollution, such as cars. He suggested that MVCAC become more involved with the Morgantown Transportation Organization. Bobby Mitchell asked whether we might want to become more involved in the effort to re-route truck traffic around town. The group agreed that these were both good suggestions. Duane will work on bringing Bobby together with Bob Bastress, since Bob has taken an interest in the legal aspects of this issue. Others were invited to work on this issue, particularly with City Council. The PSC continues to work on the rules for noise control of electrical power generators through the Noise Task Force that it developed. Duane, Bill and Jarrett went to the first meeting of the task force in Charleston. At that time, the chair of the task force asked that a noise expert be retained to study the issue. The PSC is currently looking for such an expert. Deb reported that we currently have $3,500. Duane suggested that this be the last general meeting of 2005 and that the next meeting be held in mid January. Respectfully submitted: Linda Shuster, December 6, 2005. NOTE from Jim Kotcon.......... Buried in a story on Health cost for PEIA in today’s Gazette:
Other legislative priorities, Manchin said, will include continuing to pursue a more businesslike approach to running state government, including restructuring agencies and developing multiyear projections for state revenues and spending.
Governor Manchin said he also is determined to bring a coal gasification plant to the state. “We can do it in a cleaner, healthier environment,” he said. “We know we can * the technology is there, and it’s only getting better.”