Mar. 27--MT. VERNON -- Local lawmakers have received a heads up on public comments for the proposed Power Holdings synthetic natural gas plant, and are watching the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency through the permitting process.

"We are greatly concerned by the public sentiments that have been expressed at local hearings about the proposed plant," said Sen. John O. Jones, (R-Mt. Vernon). "We're going to make sure that the permitting process is both thorough and complete."

State Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem), said he is also aware of public comments from an IEPA public hearing held earlier this month.

"Illinois' EPA officials are closely monitoring the permitting process," Cavaletto said. "I personally want to make sure that every 't' is crossed and every 'i' is dotted."

Both legislators are supporting the company's request for the air and construction permits, but state that, "we are insisting that every agency involved in this process conduct a thorough check on Power Holdings' request for a permit," Jones said.

During the IEPA hearing for the air permit requested by Power Holdings, IEPA representatives stated the reports submitted indicate a draft air permit would be granted as the company's facility designs are within the federal and state guidelines.

According to information from the IEPA, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and sulfuric acid mist are emissions that have to be regulated by "best available technology."

"The measures proposed by Power Holdings as BACT for the gasification block include various cleanup systems for the raw syngas, thermal oxidizers, flares and a flaring minimization plan, and good working practices and good air pollution control practices," information from the IEPA states.

"For the superheaters and auxiliary boiler, good combustion practices, low NOx burners and selective catalytic reduction or flue gas recirculation are proposed as BACT. For the sulfuric acid plants, hydrogen peroxide scrubbing and SCR area proposed as BACT. The Illinois EPA's initial review concludes that these measures and other control measures proposed for various operations at the plant will provide BACT. The air quality analysis submitted by Power Holdings shows that the modeled impacts from the proposed plant are not above the significant air quality impact levels under PSD rules."

The draft permit and project summary may be viewed at C.E. Brehm Memorial Library, second floor reference desk or at the IEPA office at 2309 W. Main St., Marion.

Information and questions about the application or draft permit should be directed to Brad Frost, Community Relations, Illinois EPA, 1021 N. Grand Ave. E., P.O. Box 19506, Springfield, Ill., 62794 or by calling Frost at 217-782-2113.

Residents living near the proposed site for the plant on Tomahawk Lane have enlisted the help of the Sierra Club in getting their voices heard, and the IEPA heard comments from the organization as well as residents.

The public comment period prior to issuing a permit will continue until April 2, and written comments may be submitted to the IEPA until that date.

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