IDEM schedules meeting for Thursday in Bicknell

To the editor:

I would like to help inform your readers about an environmental air permit proposed for the Duke Energy - Edwardsport power plant. IDEM is holding a public informational meeting and a public hearing today on the requirements for a major modification at the facility.

A new baseload electric generating facility has not been built in Indiana in over 20 years. The modifications to the plant will increase energy production from 130 megawatts per year to 630 megawatts per year. Duke Energy plans to replace existing coal-burning boilers, increase electricity production and reduce pollution from the plant. The new boilers will use a process called coal gasification, which turns coal into a product similar to natural gas. Pollutants in the gas are easily removed and the clean gas burned to create electricity. The gasification process and increased production will increase some pollutants and reduce others, but the result will be an overall decrease in emissions.

The draft environmental air permit is for a proposal to replace outdated technology with state-of-the-art technology. IDEM's public informational meeting will provide an opportunity for citizens to ask questions without entering comments into public record. The public hearing will provide individuals an opportunity to submit comments on the draft air permit; a stenographer will record oral comments submitted during the hearing.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., and the hearing begins is at 6:30 p.m., at North Knox High School in Bicknell.

IDEM has extended its comment period for this proposed permit, and the public also has until Dec. 31 to send written comments to IDEM. Written comments can be submitted during the meeting and hearing or mailed to:

Indiana Department of Environmental Management

100 North Senate Avenue

Mail Code 61-53 IGCN 1003

Indianapolis, Ind., 46204-2251

IDEM will address all comments, written and oral, before making a final decision about the environmental air permit.

Dan Murray

Assistant Commissioner

IDEM's Office of Air Quality

Indianapolis