MVCAC

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Meetings & Activities..2-21-06
by Duane330＠aol.com 20 Feb '06

20 Feb '06

Dear Participants and Friends...... Tuesday, February 21st at 10 am and 7 pm, the Public Comment Hearings are scheduled at the Erickson Center off Patterson Drive. This will substitute for the MVCAC monthly meeting. The Hearings should be "on topic", which is the 500 kV transmission line running north from the proposed Longview site to a sub-station in Pennsylvania, where it will interconnect with the existing 500 kV line of Allegheny Energy. Adverse electrical interactions could occur between the proposed Longview plant and the Ft. Martin plant on the shared transmission lines, due to voltage control and power line congestion. The competition between Longview and Ft. Martin can be costly to both, and ultimately costly to us, the WV customers for electricity. The remaining issues from the Siting Certificate process, that are still active issues today and "fair game" for the public hearings, are as follows: 1. What is the Longview plant equipment layout, what will it look like up close and far away; will it be safe to Airport traffic with its tall 554 foot smoke stake; and, will the large steam plume from the cooling towers be an obstacle or an eyesore. {"plant layout", "visual perspective", "viewshed issue"} There will be warning lights on the smoke stack and substantial lighting in the rest of the plant, giving rise to "light pollution". 2. What about the noises from the plant, as an annoyance for the Ft. Martin community; what about all the additional car and truck traffic on the local roads, as a source of noise and congestion. 3. What are the risks of financial failure of Longview, who must raise about one billion dollars to build the plant; then, they plan to build and sell immediately, to maximize their payout.......... without "offending" the public interest of the residents of West Virginia. 4. How much will be the tax burden for the Longview plant; will it be fair to Longview; will it be just for the rest of us? [The Payment In Lieu of Taxes [PILOT] scheme of the Mon. County Commission gives Longview a special tax break.] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> P.S. I would propose we have a general meeting of MVCAC on Monday, March 6th, to start preparations for the Evidentiary Hearing to be in Charleston and the Mon-Earth concert......... ....... your comments, please! Happy Presidents' Day. Horray; this month we have three President's Days, the 12th, 20th, and 22nd.

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Re: [MVCAC] "No Longview" Public Hearings Feb 21
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 13 Feb '06

13 Feb '06

I'm forwarding this for Paula. I want to point out to our readers, don't feel shy about sending important attachments like this to the list. I have set a size limit for individual messages at 200k, because this should be comfortable for most people, even for people on 56k lines. However, these two flyers attachments are way under that. Distribute them! Jonathan Candice Elliott wrote: > Please help publicize the two public hearings on the Longview Power > Plant next Tuesday, Feb 21. > One is at 10 a.m., the other is at 7 p.m., both are at the WVU > Erickson Alumni Center. > Also, try to attend one or both and bring lots of friends. > > CE > > > >> Original message from: >> >>> "paula (pj) hunt" <pjhunt(a)xemaps.com> 02/12/06 6:13 PM >>> >> Hi Barb, >> >> I hope it is okay, but I have attached the black and white and color >> versions of the nolongview flyer. We mailed out a bunch the other >> night (500 to 600), but I am looking for people to pass many many >> more out and post them wherever possible. If you need large volumes >> of copies, please let me know and I will get them to you. >> >> I also need you to bring 50 people each to the Hearing! There are >> two public hearings: Tuesday Feb 21, 2006 at 10 am and 7 pm at the >> Erickson Alumni Center. If you could send personal e mails to all of >> your friends and get them to come to the hearing, that would help so >> much. Even if they do not want to speak, we need their presence to >> help offset the many ACT Foundation members that show up at these >> things. I know that you know a lot of people outside of the >> MVCAC/CALP circle of supporters. >> >> Thanks so much, >> Paula >> www.nolongview.org >> www.monvalleycleanair.org >> >> > > Candice Elliott > celliot9(a)adelphia.net > (304) 594-3322 > > 414 Tyrone Avery Rd > Morgantown WV 26508-4199

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Longview Public Hearing; Please Help Us Mail Flyers
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 04 Feb '06

04 Feb '06

Paula said "My apologies for any duplicate mailings, but I am getting messages that my posting to the MVCAC listserve was bouncing back." ..... actually, the listserv has been down since Monday evening, Jan. 30th, because the hosting site it was on went out of business. Since then I've been scrambling around getting technical services working again for several organizations. A little thank-you blurb due to our sponsors is in good order: MVCAC's listserv is now hosted on a server maintained by my company, Free Software PC, LLC, and a big thank-you to the Friends of the Cheat for allowing this list to use their domain name. Please attend the Cheatfest this May 6th in Albright to show your gratitude. Proceed to the IMPORTANT message below. Hi Everyone, It has been announced: the _Longview Public Hearings_ will be */Tuesday February 21, 2006, at 1O:OO .a.m. and 7:OO pm /* */Erickson Alumni Center /* The PSC Order for the hearing is at http://www.psc.state.wv.us/imaged_files/Docket/2006_02/dck20060201165309.pdf *I need your help mailing out flyers to let people know about this! so ....... **/_PARTY AT MY HOUSE!!!! _//This Sunday, Feb 5, at 6pm (or whenever you can get there) /*Beverages, pizza, and *lots* of informational flyers to address and mail. I heard a rumor that there is some sort of football game happening that night. We don't get any TV reception down at the house, sorry. Here is a Map and Directions: http://paulahunt.com/map-with-directions.html Brings some friends! I look forward to seeing you here, Paula */Longview IS NOT a Done Deal! /* www.nolongview.org <http://www.nolongview.org/> (/newly revamped -- check it out/)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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[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

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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...?

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