MVCAC January 2006

mvcac@lists.osenergy.org

6 participants
9 discussions

PSC issues Longview schedule
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Jan '06

26 Jan '06

NOTE: The West Virginia Public Service Commission has this date issued a Scheduling Order in the two Longview cases currently pending before the Commission, viz. Case No. 05-1467-E-CN for a "certificate of convenience and necessity" for a transmission line and Case No. 03-1860-E-CS for those issues remaining from the "siting certificate" application. See the full order via the Internet at the following address, or see the conclusions below the web-site address: _http://www.psc.state.wv.us/orders/default.htm_ (http://www.psc.state.wv.us/orders/default.htm) ORDER IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Trades Council's Petition to Intervene is hereby granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the following procedural schedule be used in processing these cases: Statutory Deadline June 27, 2006 (270-day clock) Public Comment Hearings A daytime and an evening hearing shall be held in Monongalia County, on one or more of the following dates: February 2, 3, 9, 10 or 17, 2006, or such other date as the parties agree to, provided the hearings take place prior to February 28, 2006. Direct Testimony: Longview has already filed. All Intervenors, except Staff, file direct and rebuttal testimony to Applicant On or before 4:00 p.m., February 21, 2006. Staff files direct and rebuttal testimony to Applicant and Intervenors On or before 4:00 p.m., March 6, 2006. Longview and all intervenors, except Staff, file rebuttal to Staff and cross- rebuttal to other intervenors On or before 4:00 p.m., March 16, 2006. Evidentiary Hearing Beginning March 21, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. and continuing each weekday thereafter until completed, in the HMC Hearing Room, Public Service Commission Building, Charleston, West Virginia. Initial Briefs On or before 4:00 p.m., April 24, 2006. Reply Briefs On or before 4:00 p.m., May 8, 2006. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Administrative Law Judge Division shall conduct the public comment hearings to take public comment on both of these cases. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the ALJ shall conduct both a daytime and evening public comment hearing in Monongalia County. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the assigned ALJ direct Longview to publish notice of all pending hearings with publication to occur not less than 10 days prior to the public comment hearings. Such notices shall address the contingencies contained in the Commission's August 27, 2004 Order in Case No. 03-1860-E-CS-CN. Additionally, the notice of hearing publication shall be published in both Monongalia and Kanawha Counties. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Petition to Intervene filed by Barbara J. Born, et al., on November 4, 2005, is hereby granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the motion to intervene filed by Allegheny is hereby granted. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the parties are hereby required to submit electronic versions of all documents to the following address: _jwatkins(a)psc.state.wv.us_ (mailto:jwatkins@psc.state.wv.us) The documents should be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or other compatible format. Spreadsheets should be in Microsoft Excel, Quattro Pro, or other compatible format. Large objects, such as maps, and other non-text based items need not be submitted in the electronic format if an electronic version of such item is not available. This electronic filing requirement is in addition to the existing Commission filing requirements. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission's Executive Secretary serve a copy of this order upon all parties of record by United States First Class Mail and upon Commission Staff by hand delivery. JJW/klm 051467ca.wpd 051467coma012606.wpd

1 0

RE: [MVCAC] Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committee, Environmental concerns
by Larry Schwab 26 Jan '06

26 Jan '06

Dear Rick, Please do join us. You will be welcome in our home on Collins Ferry Road at our monthly meetings. Thanks for your interest. Larry Schwab -----Original Message----- From: mvcac-bounces(a)cheat.org [mailto:mvcac-bounces@cheat.org] On Behalf Of James Kotcon Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 6:53 PM To: Rick Landenberger; Duane330(a)aol.com; mvcac(a)cheat.org; Bill Reger-Nash Cc: E.C. Parsons Subject: Re: [MVCAC] Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committee, Environmental concerns Rick: Good to hear from you. I certainly endorse your participation. JBK At 01:50 PM 1/25/2006 -0500, Rick Landenberger wrote: >Hi All. I've been sitting in the background, 'listing in' so-to-speak, but >this looks like a good opportunity to become more involved. I'm a strong >advocate of walking / running for health, rehydrating with clean water, >all the while breathing clean air. I have a 12 yr. old son who does the >same; we live in Morgantown (South Park). Perhaps I can start my >involvement by attending the next meeting, to see what's involved, before >committing? > >Rick >------------------------------------------------- > >Rick Landenberger, PhD >West Virginia View Manager >Dept. of Geology and Geography >PO Box 6300, White Hall >West Virginia University >Morgantown, WV 26506-6300 >304-293-5603-4342 (office) >304-216-6976 (cell)- > >>> "Bill Reger-Nash" <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu> 1/25/2006 1:28 PM >>> >Folks, > >Thank you for your efforts on behalf of us all. You are doing such >good work. > >I am a member of the Morgantown Chamber of Commerce Vision 2020 >Wellness Committee. A suggestion was make to locate a representative to >our committee who could represent clear air and clean water issues. >Might there be anyone who would be willing to join us? I know how busy >we all are but this is impt. We need to make sure this environmental >perspective is not ignored in our deliberations about health and >wellness. > >We meet monthly from 8-9 am on the third Wednesday of the month at on >the ground floor of the Chamber Office. Let me know if you are >interested, and I will communicate your name to the Committee co-chairs >(Betty Parsons and Kelly Stobbe). > >Be well. > >Bill Reger-Nash > > > >WV Walks - 30 minutes or more daily >Feel the power of half an hour! > >Bill Reger-Nash, Ed.D >Professor of Community Medicine >West Virginia University School of Medicine >Morgantown WV 26506-9190 >Phone: 304/293-0763 >Fax: 304/293-6685 > >Dept. web page: ><http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed>http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed >BRN's web page: ><http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wreger/>http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wr eger/ > > > > > > >>> <Duane330(a)aol.com> 1/24/2006 10:04:57 PM >>> > >Minutes of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition >January 23, 2006 >The January meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Larry and >Martha >Schwab on January 23, 2006. There were 13 participants in attendance. >Duane >began the meeting by asking participants to provide updates. Jarrett >stated >that he is still investigating Longview's application for a storm >water >permit. He has also been in touch with the PSC about the current air >quality in >Ft. Martin. Cindy indicated that we cannot be part of the Health >Fair, because >they do not permit private groups to participate. However, we can >have a >table at the Walk for Breath and Life again (we did this last year). >Duane >reported that Cliff and John have been asked to develop a draft flyer. > >Deb provided a Treasurer's report. We currently have a balance of >$1567.00. >Expenditures in 2004 included: $2000 to the Environmental Law Center >at the >University of Pittsburgh to fight the proposed Greene County waste >coal >plant, $500 to attorney Mary Ann Maul for expenses relating to the PSC >noise task >force, $920 to Cliff Harvey for the flyers that are being developed, >and $63 >for the post office box. We received a $50 donation from Joy Easton. >Jim >K. reported that the state Sierra is considering giving us money, but >they >would like to have a detailed budget from us first. He also noted >that we are >close to being out of attainment for small particulates. We will know >by the >end of the quarter. >Larry H. indicated that the EPA is considering a change in the >standards for >the emission of small particulates. According to the Denver Post, more >than >2000 studies have shown that the current standards are not strong >enough. >However, the new standards that EPA is considering are not strong >enough to >reduce the number of premature deaths due to particulate exposure in >several of >the cities that EPA studied. The EPA's proposal would cut the >permissible >daily exposure from the current 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 >micrograms >per cubic meter. But the EPA's own scientists recommended a tougher >standard >of 30 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Also, the plan would leave the >annual >limit at 15 micrograms per cubic meter, even though the EPA's health >experts >called for tightening the standard to 13 to 14 micrograms per cubic >meter. >California even now limits the yearly exposure to 12 micrograms per >cubic >meter. If you think the standards should be tighter you can write to >the EPA. >Use Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017 and submit your comments by one of the > >following methods: >Federal e-rulemaking portal: <http://www.regulations.gov>www.regulations.gov >E-mail: a-and-r-docket(a)epa.gov >Facsimile: (202) 566-1741 >Regular Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, >Environmental >Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, >Washington, DC 20460 >Last Tuesday, Duane attended the hearing at the Public Service >Commission >regarding the proposed scrubbers for the Ft. Martin power plant. He >reported >that Commissioner Shaw recused himself from the hearing. Duane was >the only >citizen who made a public comment. All of the other individuals who > >commented were attorneys. In his comments, Duane indicated that the >MVCAC supported >the scrubbers under the conditions stipulated by the PSC's Consumer >Advocate, >Billy Jack Gregg. Duane spoke with Mr. Gregg before the hearing and > >discovered that he had negotiated all of the consumer protection >language that we >had discussed in our MVCAC meetings. The hearings led to something >called a >"stipulation," which is already in writing and includes the >amortization, >scheduling, and other details. A representative for Longview >requested that they >be part of the stipulation, but the Commissioners denied this request. >The >PSC will consider the stipulation and will act on it some time in >April. The >proposed construction period for the scrubbers is 2007-2009. >The public hearing regarding Longview's proposed transmission line >certificate will be held in Morgantown, possibly as early as the first >week in >February. Briefs are currently being prepared. Duane met with >Chuck, our noise >expert, to prepare comments on the noise standards for the proposed >plant, >which is one of the four issues that remain to be addressed if >Longview is to be >awarded a siting certificate (along with a plan for the plant, >financing >information, and property tax information). See Jim Kotcon's excellent >Letter to >the Editor from Friday, January 20 for a cogent discussion of these >issues. >Longview has asserted that it cannot address these issues until it >receives a >siting certificate, but, so far, the PSC has continued to maintain >that >Longview cannot receive a siting certificate until it addresses these >issues. >There will be an evidentiary hearing regarding the transmission and >siting >certificates in March, and we will be intervenors. The statutory >limitation for >PSC to make its final ruling on these permits is June 27. It is not >too late >to submit comments to the PSC. Paula has sent out several emails >with the >contact information. We need to find ways to encourage the public to >come out >to the hearing. >Deb made a report on our application for 501c3 status. In order to >proceed, >we needed to develop a set of Articles of Organization. She presented >a >draft version that she and Duane had created. After some discussion >and minor >revisions, Jim moved that the Articles be accepted. The motion was >seconded by >Paula, and the motion was passed by consensus. The 501c3 application > >requires that a conflict of interest policy be included. Deb >requested that she be >permitted to use the policy developed by the IRS. Jim moved that we >use this >policy. Sandy seconded the motion, and the motion passed by >consensus. >Duane circulated a proposed budget. After some discussion and minor >revisions, Jim moved that the budget be accepted. The motion was >seconded by Larry >S., and the motion was passed by consensus. >Deb announced that the Sundogs program has been launched at Cheat Lake > >Middle School, however, the air quality module has not yet been >developed. >Jim suggested that it was time to mount another fund raising campaign. > >Duane appointed a fund raising committee, consisting of Jim, Paula, >and Donna >Weems (if possible), to develop a fund raising letter and the address >list for >mailing. >Respectfully submitted, >Linda Shuster. >January 24, 2006 >_______________________________________________ >MVCAC mailing list >MVCAC(a)cheat.org ><http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/mvcac>http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/ mvcac >_______________________________________________ >MVCAC mailing list >MVCAC(a)cheat.org >http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/mvcac ***** Jim Kotcon 304-293-8822 304-293-2872 (fax) 304-594-3322 (home) West Virginia University Division of Plant and Soil Science 1090 Ag. Sci. Bldg., P. O. Box 6108 Morgantown, WV 26506 _______________________________________________ MVCAC mailing list MVCAC(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/mvcac

1 0

Important EPA Issue....PLEASE WRITE
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Jan '06

26 Jan '06

To: Participants and Friends of the MonValley Clean Air Coalition>>> Last month the EPA proposed a cut in fine particulates of 50%, but health and atmospheric scientists say this is not enough to make a difference. In a recent Science magazine article (Science, Vol. 311, p. 27), it is pointed out that in order for significant health improvements to be achieved greater cuts are needed. An outside panel of scientists suggested greater reductions to the EPA, but they did not follow that advice. Here are some facts from that article: (1.) PM 2.5 particles in air, which result from soot from combustion processes, harms health in several ways. It can trigger asthma attacks, and kill individuals suffering from heart and lung disease. (2.) The American Lung Association sued the EPA to reduce these emission particles by the end of 2005. The new standards lower PM 2.5 from 65 to 325 micrograms/cubic meter. This is just under the range recommended by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. (3.) The EPA has studied 9 model cities and showed that a reduction to 15 micrograms/cubic meter would lower PM 2.5 caused deaths by 48%, while the recommended change would reduce the death rate by only 22%. There are three public meetings planned and the Science article said that the EPA will accept public comments until April. You can find information on the American Lung Association, on who to write to..... they have a letter formatted or you can do your own. _http://lungaction.org/campaign/Air_Health_Standards_ (http://lungaction.org/campaign/Air_Health_Standards) Larry (Aka Participant 13) Larry Harris 637 Grand Street Morgantown, WV 26501 304-296-4954 (H) 304-293-7749 (W) _clharris(a)hsc.wvu.edu_ (mailto:clharris@hsc.wvu.edu) NOTE: The Standard Address for EPA Headquarters is: Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator Environmental Protection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 (202) 272-0167

2 1

Re: [MVCAC] Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committee, Environmental concerns
by Rick Landenberger 25 Jan '06

25 Jan '06

Hi All. I've been sitting in the background, 'listing in' so-to-speak, but this looks like a good opportunity to become more involved. I'm a strong advocate of walking / running for health, rehydrating with clean water, all the while breathing clean air. I have a 12 yr. old son who does the same; we live in Morgantown (South Park). Perhaps I can start my involvement by attending the next meeting, to see what's involved, before committing? Rick *------------------------------------------------ Rick Landenberger, PhD West Virginia View Manager Dept. of Geology and Geography PO Box 6300, White Hall West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506-6300 304-293-5603-4342 (office) 304-216-6976 (cell)- >>> "Bill Reger-Nash" <wreger(a)hsc.wvu.edu> 1/25/2006 1:28 PM >>> Folks, Thank you for your efforts on behalf of us all. You are doing such good work. I am a member of the Morgantown Chamber of Commerce Vision 2020 Wellness Committee. A suggestion was make to locate a representative to our committee who could represent clear air and clean water issues. Might there be anyone who would be willing to join us? I know how busy we all are but this is impt. We need to make sure this environmental perspective is not ignored in our deliberations about health and wellness. We meet monthly from 8-9 am on the third Wednesday of the month at on the ground floor of the Chamber Office. Let me know if you are interested, and I will communicate your name to the Committee co-chairs (Betty Parsons and Kelly Stobbe). Be well. Bill Reger-Nash WV Walks - 30 minutes or more daily Feel the power of half an hour! Bill Reger-Nash, Ed.D Professor of Community Medicine West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown WV 26506-9190 Phone: 304/293-0763 Fax: 304/293-6685 Dept. web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed BRN's web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wreger/ >>> <Duane330(a)aol.com> 1/24/2006 10:04:57 PM >>> Minutes of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition January 23, 2006 The January meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Larry and Martha Schwab on January 23, 2006. There were 13 participants in attendance. Duane began the meeting by asking participants to provide updates. Jarrett stated that he is still investigating Longview's application for a storm water permit. He has also been in touch with the PSC about the current air quality in Ft. Martin. Cindy indicated that we cannot be part of the Health Fair, because they do not permit private groups to participate. However, we can have a table at the Walk for Breath and Life again (we did this last year). Duane reported that Cliff and John have been asked to develop a draft flyer. Deb provided a Treasurer's report. We currently have a balance of $1567.00. Expenditures in 2004 included: $2000 to the Environmental Law Center at the University of Pittsburgh to fight the proposed Greene County waste coal plant, $500 to attorney Mary Ann Maul for expenses relating to the PSC noise task force, $920 to Cliff Harvey for the flyers that are being developed, and $63 for the post office box. We received a $50 donation from Joy Easton. Jim K. reported that the state Sierra is considering giving us money, but they would like to have a detailed budget from us first. He also noted that we are close to being out of attainment for small particulates. We will know by the end of the quarter. Larry H. indicated that the EPA is considering a change in the standards for the emission of small particulates. According to the Denver Post, more than 2000 studies have shown that the current standards are not strong enough. However, the new standards that EPA is considering are not strong enough to reduce the number of premature deaths due to particulate exposure in several of the cities that EPA studied. The EPA's proposal would cut the permissible daily exposure from the current 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. But the EPA's own scientists recommended a tougher standard of 30 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Also, the plan would leave the annual limit at 15 micrograms per cubic meter, even though the EPA's health experts called for tightening the standard to 13 to 14 micrograms per cubic meter. California even now limits the yearly exposure to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. If you think the standards should be tighter you can write to the EPA. Use Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017 and submit your comments by one of the following methods: Federal e-rulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov E-mail: a-and-r-docket(a)epa.gov Facsimile: (202) 566-1741 Regular Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460 Last Tuesday, Duane attended the hearing at the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed scrubbers for the Ft. Martin power plant. He reported that Commissioner Shaw recused himself from the hearing. Duane was the only citizen who made a public comment. All of the other individuals who commented were attorneys. In his comments, Duane indicated that the MVCAC supported the scrubbers under the conditions stipulated by the PSC's Consumer Advocate, Billy Jack Gregg. Duane spoke with Mr. Gregg before the hearing and discovered that he had negotiated all of the consumer protection language that we had discussed in our MVCAC meetings. The hearings led to something called a "stipulation," which is already in writing and includes the amortization, scheduling, and other details. A representative for Longview requested that they be part of the stipulation, but the Commissioners denied this request. The PSC will consider the stipulation and will act on it some time in April. The proposed construction period for the scrubbers is 2007-2009. The public hearing regarding Longview's proposed transmission line certificate will be held in Morgantown, possibly as early as the first week in February. Briefs are currently being prepared. Duane met with Chuck, our noise expert, to prepare comments on the noise standards for the proposed plant, which is one of the four issues that remain to be addressed if Longview is to be awarded a siting certificate (along with a plan for the plant, financing information, and property tax information). See Jim Kotcon's excellent Letter to the Editor from Friday, January 20 for a cogent discussion of these issues. Longview has asserted that it cannot address these issues until it receives a siting certificate, but, so far, the PSC has continued to maintain that Longview cannot receive a siting certificate until it addresses these issues. There will be an evidentiary hearing regarding the transmission and siting certificates in March, and we will be intervenors. The statutory limitation for PSC to make its final ruling on these permits is June 27. It is not too late to submit comments to the PSC. Paula has sent out several emails with the contact information. We need to find ways to encourage the public to come out to the hearing. Deb made a report on our application for 501c3 status. In order to proceed, we needed to develop a set of Articles of Organization. She presented a draft version that she and Duane had created. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the Articles be accepted. The motion was seconded by Paula, and the motion was passed by consensus. The 501c3 application requires that a conflict of interest policy be included. Deb requested that she be permitted to use the policy developed by the IRS. Jim moved that we use this policy. Sandy seconded the motion, and the motion passed by consensus. Duane circulated a proposed budget. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the budget be accepted. The motion was seconded by Larry S., and the motion was passed by consensus. Deb announced that the Sundogs program has been launched at Cheat Lake Middle School, however, the air quality module has not yet been developed. Jim suggested that it was time to mount another fund raising campaign. Duane appointed a fund raising committee, consisting of Jim, Paula, and Donna Weems (if possible), to develop a fund raising letter and the address list for mailing. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster. January 24, 2006 _______________________________________________ MVCAC mailing list MVCAC(a)cheat.org http://cheat.org/mailman/listinfo/mvcac

1 0

[MVCAC] Chamber of Commerce Wellness Committee, Environmental concerns
by Bill Reger-Nash 25 Jan '06

25 Jan '06

Folks, Thank you for your efforts on behalf of us all. You are doing such good work. I am a member of the Morgantown Chamber of Commerce Vision 2020 Wellness Committee. A suggestion was make to locate a representative to our committee who could represent clear air and clean water issues. Might there be anyone who would be willing to join us? I know how busy we all are but this is impt. We need to make sure this environmental perspective is not ignored in our deliberations about health and wellness. We meet monthly from 8-9 am on the third Wednesday of the month at on the ground floor of the Chamber Office. Let me know if you are interested, and I will communicate your name to the Committee co-chairs (Betty Parsons and Kelly Stobbe). Be well. Bill Reger-Nash WV Walks - 30 minutes or more daily Feel the power of half an hour! Bill Reger-Nash, Ed.D Professor of Community Medicine West Virginia University School of Medicine Morgantown WV 26506-9190 Phone: 304/293-0763 Fax: 304/293-6685 Dept. web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed BRN's web page: http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/som/cmed/wreger/ >>> <Duane330(a)aol.com> 1/24/2006 10:04:57 PM >>> Minutes of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition January 23, 2006 The January meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Larry and Martha Schwab on January 23, 2006. There were 13 participants in attendance. Duane began the meeting by asking participants to provide updates. Jarrett stated that he is still investigating Longview's application for a storm water permit. He has also been in touch with the PSC about the current air quality in Ft. Martin. Cindy indicated that we cannot be part of the Health Fair, because they do not permit private groups to participate. However, we can have a table at the Walk for Breath and Life again (we did this last year). Duane reported that Cliff and John have been asked to develop a draft flyer. Deb provided a Treasurer's report. We currently have a balance of $1567.00. Expenditures in 2004 included: $2000 to the Environmental Law Center at the University of Pittsburgh to fight the proposed Greene County waste coal plant, $500 to attorney Mary Ann Maul for expenses relating to the PSC noise task force, $920 to Cliff Harvey for the flyers that are being developed, and $63 for the post office box. We received a $50 donation from Joy Easton. Jim K. reported that the state Sierra is considering giving us money, but they would like to have a detailed budget from us first. He also noted that we are close to being out of attainment for small particulates. We will know by the end of the quarter. Larry H. indicated that the EPA is considering a change in the standards for the emission of small particulates. According to the Denver Post, more than 2000 studies have shown that the current standards are not strong enough. However, the new standards that EPA is considering are not strong enough to reduce the number of premature deaths due to particulate exposure in several of the cities that EPA studied. The EPA's proposal would cut the permissible daily exposure from the current 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. But the EPA's own scientists recommended a tougher standard of 30 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Also, the plan would leave the annual limit at 15 micrograms per cubic meter, even though the EPA's health experts called for tightening the standard to 13 to 14 micrograms per cubic meter. California even now limits the yearly exposure to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. If you think the standards should be tighter you can write to the EPA. Use Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017 and submit your comments by one of the following methods: Federal e-rulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov E-mail: a-and-r-docket(a)epa.gov Facsimile: (202) 566-1741 Regular Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460 Last Tuesday, Duane attended the hearing at the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed scrubbers for the Ft. Martin power plant. He reported that Commissioner Shaw recused himself from the hearing. Duane was the only citizen who made a public comment. All of the other individuals who commented were attorneys. In his comments, Duane indicated that the MVCAC supported the scrubbers under the conditions stipulated by the PSC's Consumer Advocate, Billy Jack Gregg. Duane spoke with Mr. Gregg before the hearing and discovered that he had negotiated all of the consumer protection language that we had discussed in our MVCAC meetings. The hearings led to something called a "stipulation," which is already in writing and includes the amortization, scheduling, and other details. A representative for Longview requested that they be part of the stipulation, but the Commissioners denied this request. The PSC will consider the stipulation and will act on it some time in April. The proposed construction period for the scrubbers is 2007-2009. The public hearing regarding Longview's proposed transmission line certificate will be held in Morgantown, possibly as early as the first week in February. Briefs are currently being prepared. Duane met with Chuck, our noise expert, to prepare comments on the noise standards for the proposed plant, which is one of the four issues that remain to be addressed if Longview is to be awarded a siting certificate (along with a plan for the plant, financing information, and property tax information). See Jim Kotcon's excellent Letter to the Editor from Friday, January 20 for a cogent discussion of these issues. Longview has asserted that it cannot address these issues until it receives a siting certificate, but, so far, the PSC has continued to maintain that Longview cannot receive a siting certificate until it addresses these issues. There will be an evidentiary hearing regarding the transmission and siting certificates in March, and we will be intervenors. The statutory limitation for PSC to make its final ruling on these permits is June 27. It is not too late to submit comments to the PSC. Paula has sent out several emails with the contact information. We need to find ways to encourage the public to come out to the hearing. Deb made a report on our application for 501c3 status. In order to proceed, we needed to develop a set of Articles of Organization. She presented a draft version that she and Duane had created. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the Articles be accepted. The motion was seconded by Paula, and the motion was passed by consensus. The 501c3 application requires that a conflict of interest policy be included. Deb requested that she be permitted to use the policy developed by the IRS. Jim moved that we use this policy. Sandy seconded the motion, and the motion passed by consensus. Duane circulated a proposed budget. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the budget be accepted. The motion was seconded by Larry S., and the motion was passed by consensus. Deb announced that the Sundogs program has been launched at Cheat Lake Middle School, however, the air quality module has not yet been developed. Jim suggested that it was time to mount another fund raising campaign. Duane appointed a fund raising committee, consisting of Jim, Paula, and Donna Weems (if possible), to develop a fund raising letter and the address list for mailing. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster. January 24, 2006

1 0

Minutes of Meeting: Jan. 23, 2006.
by Duane330＠aol.com 25 Jan '06

25 Jan '06

Minutes of the Mon Valley Clean Air Coalition January 23, 2006 The January meeting of the MVCAC was held at the home of Larry and Martha Schwab on January 23, 2006. There were 13 participants in attendance. Duane began the meeting by asking participants to provide updates. Jarrett stated that he is still investigating Longview's application for a storm water permit. He has also been in touch with the PSC about the current air quality in Ft. Martin. Cindy indicated that we cannot be part of the Health Fair, because they do not permit private groups to participate. However, we can have a table at the Walk for Breath and Life again (we did this last year). Duane reported that Cliff and John have been asked to develop a draft flyer. Deb provided a Treasurer's report. We currently have a balance of $1567.00. Expenditures in 2004 included: $2000 to the Environmental Law Center at the University of Pittsburgh to fight the proposed Greene County waste coal plant, $500 to attorney Mary Ann Maul for expenses relating to the PSC noise task force, $920 to Cliff Harvey for the flyers that are being developed, and $63 for the post office box. We received a $50 donation from Joy Easton. Jim K. reported that the state Sierra is considering giving us money, but they would like to have a detailed budget from us first. He also noted that we are close to being out of attainment for small particulates. We will know by the end of the quarter. Larry H. indicated that the EPA is considering a change in the standards for the emission of small particulates. According to the Denver Post, more than 2000 studies have shown that the current standards are not strong enough. However, the new standards that EPA is considering are not strong enough to reduce the number of premature deaths due to particulate exposure in several of the cities that EPA studied. The EPA's proposal would cut the permissible daily exposure from the current 65 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. But the EPA's own scientists recommended a tougher standard of 30 to 35 micrograms per cubic meter. Also, the plan would leave the annual limit at 15 micrograms per cubic meter, even though the EPA's health experts called for tightening the standard to 13 to 14 micrograms per cubic meter. California even now limits the yearly exposure to 12 micrograms per cubic meter. If you think the standards should be tighter you can write to the EPA. Use Docket ID No. OAR-2001-0017 and submit your comments by one of the following methods: Federal e-rulemaking portal: www.regulations.gov E-mail: a-and-r-docket(a)epa.gov Facsimile: (202) 566-1741 Regular Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 6102T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460 Last Tuesday, Duane attended the hearing at the Public Service Commission regarding the proposed scrubbers for the Ft. Martin power plant. He reported that Commissioner Shaw recused himself from the hearing. Duane was the only citizen who made a public comment. All of the other individuals who commented were attorneys. In his comments, Duane indicated that the MVCAC supported the scrubbers under the conditions stipulated by the PSC's Consumer Advocate, Billy Jack Gregg. Duane spoke with Mr. Gregg before the hearing and discovered that he had negotiated all of the consumer protection language that we had discussed in our MVCAC meetings. The hearings led to something called a "stipulation," which is already in writing and includes the amortization, scheduling, and other details. A representative for Longview requested that they be part of the stipulation, but the Commissioners denied this request. The PSC will consider the stipulation and will act on it some time in April. The proposed construction period for the scrubbers is 2007-2009. The public hearing regarding Longview's proposed transmission line certificate will be held in Morgantown, possibly as early as the first week in February. Briefs are currently being prepared. Duane met with Chuck, our noise expert, to prepare comments on the noise standards for the proposed plant, which is one of the four issues that remain to be addressed if Longview is to be awarded a siting certificate (along with a plan for the plant, financing information, and property tax information). See Jim Kotcon's excellent Letter to the Editor from Friday, January 20 for a cogent discussion of these issues. Longview has asserted that it cannot address these issues until it receives a siting certificate, but, so far, the PSC has continued to maintain that Longview cannot receive a siting certificate until it addresses these issues. There will be an evidentiary hearing regarding the transmission and siting certificates in March, and we will be intervenors. The statutory limitation for PSC to make its final ruling on these permits is June 27. It is not too late to submit comments to the PSC. Paula has sent out several emails with the contact information. We need to find ways to encourage the public to come out to the hearing. Deb made a report on our application for 501c3 status. In order to proceed, we needed to develop a set of Articles of Organization. She presented a draft version that she and Duane had created. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the Articles be accepted. The motion was seconded by Paula, and the motion was passed by consensus. The 501c3 application requires that a conflict of interest policy be included. Deb requested that she be permitted to use the policy developed by the IRS. Jim moved that we use this policy. Sandy seconded the motion, and the motion passed by consensus. Duane circulated a proposed budget. After some discussion and minor revisions, Jim moved that the budget be accepted. The motion was seconded by Larry S., and the motion was passed by consensus. Deb announced that the Sundogs program has been launched at Cheat Lake Middle School, however, the air quality module has not yet been developed. Jim suggested that it was time to mount another fund raising campaign. Duane appointed a fund raising committee, consisting of Jim, Paula, and Donna Weems (if possible), to develop a fund raising letter and the address list for mailing. Respectfully submitted, Linda Shuster. January 24, 2006

2 1

Monday--Important Meeting
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 Jan '06

22 Jan '06

NOTE: The monthly general meeting of the MonValley Clean Air Coalition will be held tomorrow, Monday, January 23rd at the home of Larry and Martha Schwab. Come at 6:30 for the social session, with the meeting starting promptly at 7 pm. Location: 3333 Collins Ferry Road, on the left going northeast. This is an important meeting, to consider the Ft. Martin scrubbers and the Longview transmission certificate application. Did you see the letter to the Editor of the Dominion Post from Jim Kotcon this past Friday...?

1 0

Write to the PSC regarding net metering
by Linda Shuster 17 Jan '06

17 Jan '06

Hi All, The Public Service Commission is considering net metering. Net metering allows home owners to be reimbursed for any excess electricity they generate from sources such as solar power. There are a variety of good reasons to support net metering. For more information, check out questions and answers on the website below. Although net metering is tied to electric deregulation in some states, a number of states have implemented net metering while still regulating electricity, and the WV legislature is not currently considering deregulation. According to the PSC, there has been little progress on net metering in WV, because there has been no interest. If you would like to support net metering, please write to the PSC. You don't need to send long or technical letters. If you send a letter, be sure to include the case number at the top, which is 02-1495-E-GI-Net Metering. The PSC's address is: Executive Secretary WV Public Service Commission 201 Brooks St. Charleston, WV 25323 For more information: http://www.homepower.com/resources/net_metering_faq.cfm Thanks! Linda ********************************************************

1 0

"farmland preservation"
by Duane330＠aol.com 05 Jan '06

05 Jan '06

NOTE: Farmland preservation............ This coming Wednesday, January 11th, it is anticipated that the Monongalia County Commission will be asked to vote in favor of including our County in the federal "farmland preservation" program, to set up a governing board, and to approve a transfer-tax measure to fund this program. Preston County and many others have already approved such participation. It is proposed that the MVCAC support this effort, given that farmland is known to provide the essential base for naturally clean air and water, given the common "good farming" practices of forest preservation, grassland and wetland utility, and long term commitments to a sustainable society. The following statement is planned for release this coming week. Comments are invited; and, participation in the County Commission meeting at 10 am on January 11th is suggested. "MVCAC" STATEMENT.............. "Farmland preservation has huge implications for achieving a sustainable society that can last for decades, centuries, and thousands of years. Here we are on earth, living under conditions that took hundreds of millions of years to achieve. Yet, species extinction is occurring both due to natural and to man-made causes, the latter of which needs to be recognized and reversed. Also, clean air and clean water depend upon our maintaining trees, pastures, and wetlands. The new book by H. H. Shugart of the University of Virginia, "Tales of An Unbalanced Nature", reveals these lessons in such a dramatic and down-to-earth manner." Duane G. Nichols, Convenor MonValley Clean Air Coalition P. O. Box 4679 Morgantown, WV 26508

1 0

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

MVCAC January 2006