Living Rural

The proposed coal-fired power plant(shown here) reared its ugly head again today. The documents (a case by case Maximum Achievable Control Technology, MACT) submitted by Santee Cooper to DHEC for approval has been given a Draft Notice of MACT Approval (NOMA) written by the Bureau of Air Quality outlining the proposed  project and applicable regulations. The draft is not approved and is STILL open for comment from the PUBLIC, Santee Cooper, and the US EPA.

As I have discussed,

Energy Challenge while livingrural …,

before, it is being promoted as a positive addition to the Kingsburg area due to the new jobs it should bring, the additional electricity demands it will meet and an overall boost to a sluggish economy in this area after the closing of Delta Mills and just recently announced closing of Wellman Industries. This is all true;  however, may be exaggerated in the favor of Santee Cooper.

What has not been talked about in groups of people actually living in the area is the reason for the NOMA (Notice of MACT Approval). It is necessary because the US Court of Appeals eliminatd the Federal Clean Air Mercury Rule for power plants! So until the EPA issues a new power plant regulation, EACH NEW POWER PLANT will have to propose emission limits to control hazardous air pollutants, including mercury. Which is a ‘biggy’ for this area, being located on the Great Pee Dee River - fished by many and enjoyed as a recreational get-a-way. Does it not seem strange that the power plant will write its own emission controls? It bothers me, but apparently only a few others as shown by the poor turn out for the public meetings held in the surrounding towns over the last year and a half. Although, publication of dates and times were publicised, it was not enough to get the word out into the community. But as they say - past is past.

These are the hazardous air pollutants that will be emitted from this plant: Mercury, Hydrocholric acid, Hydrogen Floride, non-Mercury HAP metals and organic HAPs. Property is available, would you like to make an appointment to view it?  The real worry is the following wording, “If approved, the conditions of this NOMA will be incorporated into Santee Cooper Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit … this permit is still in draft form and has not been approved. The BAQ WILL make a final NOMA decision and PSD decision at the same time.” (Public Notice #08-085-N-H, September 23, 2008)

DHEC is holding a public hearing on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of Hannah-Pamplico High School at 2055 S. Pamplico Highway, Pamplico, SC. DHEC representatives will explain the NOMA at this hearing. Oral and written commnets will be accepted. If you have strong feelings either for or against, this will be your last opportunity to voice them. Written comments will be accepted through the close of business on November 6, 2008. To learn more about the project, the webpage is:  http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/SanteeCooper.aspx

I will try to post the outcome of the hearing in October. It feels good to get that out to the public!

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”