WRITTEN BY MIKE LUDWIG
THURSDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2009 09:12

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) has issued the final critical permit for a coal-burning power plant proposed in southern Meigs County, and construction of the plant could begin this winter despite legal challenges from environmental groups.

The permit, an air permit-to-install that sets air pollution limits for the plant, was originally issued on Feb. 7, 2008. The permit then fell under a federal court ruling requiring the OEPA to revise the permit, set new emission limits based on “maximum available control technology,” and require permit applicant AMP (American Municipal Power) to install a carbon-injection system to further limit emissions of hazardous pollutants.

“Following a federal court decision rendered after the 2008 permit was issued, AMP has worked with Ohio EPA to determine whether or not even more emissions reductions were achievable,” said AMP spokesperson Jolene Thompson. “The results of this process have lead to additional reductions, including a 25 percent reduction in the allowable mercury emission limit.”

The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) and other environmental groups appealed the air permit and another pollution discharge permit.

Ohio law allows AMP to “continue development” of the $3.2 billion power plant during the appeals process, and the non-profit utility company intends to do so, according to a release.

Environmental activists opposing the plant have voiced concerns about allowing more mercury and greenhouse-gas emissions in an area that is already home to heavy industry, chemical plants and several coal-burning power plants.

A state appeals commission ruled against the NRDC and its allies this summer and issued a summary judgment stating that the EPA is not required set limits on carbon dioxide, a well-known greenhouse gas.

The final permit includes tighter restrictions on pollutants such as mercury and sulfur dioxide, but does not include a limit on carbon-dioxide emissions.

A hearing on the air permit appeal is set for Dec. 1.

Four power plants in Ohio and West Virginia burn coal within approximately 10 miles from the site near Letart Falls where AMP wants to build its 1,000-megawatt facility.