Laurentian “biomass” Air Permit Draft
July 26th, 2008
The new Draft Air Permit is out for the Laurentian “biomass” burner in Hibbing, and Comments are open until August 18, 2008. This is the “clean energy” plant that was violating its air permit and was fined. Now we’ve got the new one… what’s different?
Comments should be sent, BY AUGUST 18, to:
Toni Volkmeier, Air Quality Permits Section
Industrial Division, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-8717 – Faxemail: toni.volkmeier@pca.state.mn.us
I noticed in the permit’s Technical Support Document that although the federal rules have been vacated, they are issuing it “as if” noting that the federal rules were incorporated into the Minnesota Rules. But as Alan notes, if the rules were vacated because they were ineffective, insufficient to protect the environment, what good is that? Here’s direct from the Technical Document:
2. Regulatory and/or Statutory Basis
Part 70 Permit Program
The facility is a major source under the Part 70 permit program.
So here’s my question… if the MPCA is issuing permits under federal rule, and if they’re doing their Part 70 Permits under federal delegation, and where the rule has been vacated because it didn’t cut it, on what basis, under what authority, are they issuing permits? This seems to be an area where they’re wide open to challenge! I would think that any permit issued under the Minnesota adoption of those rules that were deemed inadequate could be thrown out rather easily…
Itasca Park goes wireless!
July 21st, 2008
Bizarre, but true! Something that makes camping a lot easier — internet access! Week before last, we took a couple of days off and went up to Lake Itasca so Alan could see more of Minnesota, and given we’ve both got “virtual offices,” it’s really a problem to be off-line. So hearing that Douglas Lodge at Itasca had wireless, yes, Douglas Lodage:
I figured it wouldn’t be that tough to go over there once in a while. Guess again, there was too much to do and then, after we finally got to the desk near the fireplace, and when telling management how much I appreciated having access there, I learned it was all over the park, and even IN THE PINE RIDGE CAMPGROUND! PERFECT. Yup, here’s the proof, above!
And we had a wonderful visit with Rollie and Shar Jacobsen, who are living now up near Park Rapids, home of a real old fashioned ice cream parlor (Rollie knows what I like!). I so miss having them as neighbors and extended family right downstairs… as we left, Rollie handed me a genuine Jacobsen’s bag, and delight of delights, it was filled with Jerry Garcia Band CD’s, 10-15 (haven’t counted), I’m still on the second one and savoring every bit.
And yes, we did get out in a boat on Lake Itasca, and saw new baby loons, and one huge, HUGE snapping turtle swimming along. The world’s biggest red pine is a little worse for wear…
No… this wasn’t the one swimming across the lake…
NRG’s New York IGCC plant is dead
July 20th, 2008
Another coal gasification bites the dust — yes, it took a coon’s age to get this posted, what can I say, the CapX hearings are taking up a lot of time… This was the best news in ages, continuing the theme that IGCC is a bad idea, too risky, too costly. This plant was one that seemed to have a lot of backing, which to me means that IGCC is done. When I’d posted about it, it garnered some wild NRG employee comments on this blog, ones that I hope that those employees’ bosses are aware of! I know NRG is watching, but I think some of their employees need to have their typing fingers taped together and/or not operate a computer while soused!
Here are a few articles with some choice comments:
From the Buffalo News:
Power Authority stops $1.6 billion plans for advanced coal plant at Tonawanda’s Huntley Station
From newsday.com:
NYPA halts plans for clean-coal plant in Tonawanda
And from the Post Journal:
NYPA withdraws support for North Tonawanda clean coal project
… and…
… and…
”Simply, at this time, the price gap is too large to overcome” said Pritchard of NYPA.
Tell us something we didn’t already know!!!
Prenatal impacts of coal
July 15th, 2008
Yup, burning coal has an impact, you betcha. Tell us something we didn’t already know. But here’s a study that shows some specific results when comparing neurodevelopment of children exposed prenatally with those who were not exposed because the coal plant had been shut down.
Here’s the study:
Benefits of Reducing Prenatal Exposure to Coal Burning Pollutants
So what more do we need to know that shutting down coal plants is overdue?
CAIR vacated – what will this mean
July 11th, 2008
The Clean Air Interstate Rule has been vacated, and here’s the real deal:
OK, one more thing to get figured out…