Gas-fired power plant proposed along the Yough River

Sign the Petition & Comment on Air Quality Permit Application

Tenaska is seeking to construct a gas-fired power plant in Westmoreland County that will discharge toxins directly into the Youghiogheny River, and that will use 5 million gallons of water per day from the Yough.  The easiest thing you can do is take a moment to add your name to a petition Clean Air Council has created against Tenaska’s plant —by clicking here. Through this link you can also comment Tenaska’s air quality permit application.

Take Action Now– NPDES Water Discharge Permit Comments Needed!

Comments on Tenaska’s NPDES permit application are due on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. Your action is needed!

You can mail or email a comment to the Pennsylvania DEP and request a public hearing on the plant’s water discharge.  You can copy the sample letter below or draft one of your own. Comments and requests for a hearing can be sent or emailed to:

Elizabeth Farley
Clean Water Program, PA DEP
400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
elfarley@pa.gov
Subject: Water Pollution Discharge (NPDES) Permit # PA0254771

For more information on this proposal or its potential impact please contact Nick.

SAMPLE LETTER:
Ms. Farley,
I am concerned about the environmental impacts from Tenaska’s proposed gas-fired plant on the Youghiogheny River. Each year the plant will release thousands of tons of harmful air pollutants. I am also concerned about the impacts this plant will have on water quality. Tenaska Energy plans to withdraw 5 million gallons of water per day from the Youghiogheny River. They also plan to discharge 2.5 million gallons of wastewater per day from the power plant into the Youghiogheny River, a major source of drinking water and recreational activities. Listed below are some of my specific concerns
  • A plain language summary of this proposal and its impact should be provided.

The published DEP permit announcement listed important pollutants such as chromium, zinc, oil, and grease, but the numbers set forth are confusing and preclude many citizens from making an informed comment.

  • The high value of receiving streams warrants open public discourse on the permit.
The designated uses of the watershed were stated by the DEP as “drinking water” and “recreation,” uses with high economic and social impacts.
  • Combined impacts of adding Tenaska pollutants must be analyzed and presented for public comment.
The receiving streams still receive many other pollutants. I am concerned about overburdening the already impacted streams.  Also, these pollutants accumulate over time, which calls into question the long term negative influence this plant will have.
  • A site specific study is needed.
The receiving streams are beginning to regain aquatic life as a result of positive stewardship efforts by the community.  The DEP is not likely to know the extent of newly arrived fish and other important organisms.
  • Constitutional rights must be protected.
Actions of the Department must comply with Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which restricts the Department from issuing permits that allow “degradation, diminution, or depletion of our public natural resources.”  Robinson Twp., Washington Cnty. V. Com., 83 A.3d 901, 957 (Pa. 2013).  As a trustee of our natural resources, the Department must (among other obligations) consider and account for, prior to acting, how its action will impact the right of present and future Pennsylvanians to enjoy public trust resources.   Without further study and public participation, the DEP will not be giving adequate consideration to my constitutional rights.
Please hold a hearing to allow for increased public input and the opportunity to express our opinions and concerns about the Tenaska gas -fired power plant.  There are serious issues with the permit that need to be addressed before any decision should be made on this matter.
Regards,
YOUR SIGNATURE