Jul. 29--BLAKELY, Ga. -- Early County residents are concerned about a coal-fired power plant that could be coming to the area.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division held a public hearing in Blakely Tuesday night to solicit comments on an amended Air Quality Operating Permit the EPD has drafted for Longleaf Energy Associates, a subsidiary of New Jersey-based LS Energy, which plans to build the plant in Early County.

While construction of the plant is currently held up by a legal battle that has reached the Georgia Supreme Court, the hearing focused on a permit that would set the maximum allowable emissions from the plant and allow Longleaf an extension to construct the plant.

Attendees at Tuesday's hearing expressed concerns about the plant's emissions and the EPD's consideration of the permit.

"There is no reason to build a coal-fired plant," said Sierra Barnes. "The mercury will get into our water, and it's only a matter of time."

Some residents criticized the EPD's handling of the situation.

"The EPD does not protect the people, it protects the industry," said Jeannine Honicker. "This plant is going to emit 60 pounds per hour of fine particulate matter, which is very dangerous, particularly to children, teenagers and old folks. It's unconscionable that they're going to do what they're planning to do. Come hell or high water, they're going to issue (the permit). Now it's time for our elected officials to do something."

That's exactly what Georgia State Rep. Debbie Buckner (D-Columbus) said she plans to do.

"I'm very concerned about this project," Buckner said. "I'm concerned about the plant's mercury emissions. In my opinion, 158 pounds of mercury is 158 pounds too much. I think coal technology is old technology. I'm asking the EPD to deny the extension."

While supporters of the plant were few and far between at the meeting, those who spoke continued to support the project.

Early County Development Authority Chairman Olin Thompson urged the EPD to grant the permit and cooperate with Longleaf.

"The Development Authority stands behind this project, and I think LS Power will comply with the law," Thompson told EPD representatives. "I urge you to give them this permit."

Some opponents of the project pointed to a potential conflict of interests that could arise from a New Jersey company controlling a plant in Georgia.

"It is a New Jersey firm coming into southeast Georgia to create energy that will likely be sold out of state to Florida, leaving the pollution here," Buckner said. "Florida has outlawed coal plants, but they'll have no problem taking power from us and leaving us with the problems."

According to EPD Air Protection Branch Chief Jac Capp, members of the public can submit comments to the EPD until Aug. 4, after which the EPD will take as much time as needed to review the permit and make a final decision.

All formal comments on the permit can be sent to James "Jac" Capp, Branch Chief, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Air Protection Branch, 4244 International Parkway, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30354.

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