Michigan Environmental Damage Lawyers

Officials will take public comment on two new provisions of Wolverine proposal

(MDEC) - The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality will host a May 19 public hearing in Rogers City to receive formal public comment on two specific aspects of an air permit application to install a coal-fired power plant.

Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative Inc. proposes to install and operate a 600-megawatt, coal-fired steam electric power plant. The power plant would be located on the Carmeuse quarry property, Rogers Township, Presque Isle County, Michigan.

The public comment hearing begins at 7 p.m. in the Rogers City High School Gymnasium, 1033 West Huron Avenue, Rogers City. The sole purpose of the hearing will be to take formal testimony on the record pertaining to the Best Available Control Technology demonstration and emission limits proposed for greenhouse gases and the air quality analysis demonstrating the proposed power plant will not violate the new 1 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for NO2 and SO2.

Prior to the hearing, an informational session in panel format will be held 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., also in the Rogers City High School Gymnasium. Staff will be available to answer questions at that meeting. Interested participants are advised that hearing administrators will not dialogue during the public comment hearing, and only comments on the specific aspects noted above will be included in the record. All other aspects of the permit have been through the public process.

Background

The Permit to Install application for this project was denied May 21, 2010, due to a failure to demonstrate need for the proposed facility. Wolverine Power challenged the decision. The Missaukee County Circuit Court ruled Jan. 28 of this year that an alleged lack of need for the proposed facility alone, separate from air quality concerns, was not a legal basis to deny the permit application.

The DEQ has re-evaluated the Permit to Install application for the proposed power plant, absent the consideration of need, and accounting for recent regulations that have been finalized since the denial action. These regulations are the new 1-hour NAAQS for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and the requirement to provide a BACT demonstration for greenhouse gases. The May 19 public hearing is a formal opportunity for the public to comment on these permit application aspects.

Copies of the Department's analysis and proposed draft permit conditions are available at the following locations, or may be requested by mail by calling 517-335-4607. Please reference PTI Application Number 317-07.

DEQ Web site: www.michigan.gov/air

GAYLORD:  MDEQ, Air Quality Division, 2100 West M-32, 989-705-3406

LANSING:  MDEQ, Air Quality Division, Constitution Hall, 3rd Floor, North Tower, 525 West Allegan Street, 517-335-4607

ROGERS CITY:  Mayor's Office and City Manager's Office, 193 East Michigan Avenue, 989-734-2191

PRESQUE ISLE: County Clerk's office, 151 East Huron Street, 989-734-3288

Written comments should be sent to Mary Ann Dolehanty, Permit Section Supervisor, MDEQ, Air Quality Division, P.O. Box 30260, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-7760. Comments also may be submitted via the Web page, www.deq.state.mi.us/aps/cwerp.shtml  (click on "Submit Comment" under the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. Permit to Install No. 317-07 listing).

All statements received by May 19, 2011, will be considered by the decision maker prior to final permit action.

Individuals needing accommodations for effective participation at the hearing should contact Ms. Cari DeBruler at 517-335-4607 in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.