3-14-2007
To Richard Fristik,
Environmental Protection Specialist USDA
Greetings: I
would like to voice my objections to the construction of the proposed coal
plant near Great Falls, Montana, know as the Highwood Generating Station, for
the following reason:
Their intention to use CFB technology which will become
outdated long before the plant can even be completed, due to the newer and far
less polluting IGCC process now being developed & in operation in some
location. This coupled with the
increased interest over the nation in alternative energy, which is now sweeping
the country, favored by most, as the answer to our energy needs. To illustrate, a most recent
development was the cancellation of 8 of 11 planned coal fired plants by TXU, a
Texas company.
It seems a stretch to me how Rural Utility Service of the
US Dept. of Agriculture can be beneficial to farmers, rural residents and small
communities by financing this shaky project when the fall out from the plant
will considerably reduce the value of surrounding farmland and those same rural
residents will be excluded from use of the power being produce in the plants
fallout area. Farmers surrounding
the plant property where either not contacted or were not apprised of the
magnitude of the proposed plan in advance of itÕs announcement to the
public. No consideration was given
to these people or the residents of Great Falls from the git Ðgo. I doubt that the success of this
venture would be consider a good investment of tax payers $Õs and most certainly
not of benefit to the surrounding rural area.
One other area of great concern to me personally which many be construed as emotional but very real however, is the preventable stack emission of any more mercury in to the environment. I have observed up-close and in your face the effects of mercury and autism. Twin grand daughters 13 years, both afflicted. Results Ð a family stressed to the limit. The pat & prepared answers from the proponents as to the plant being the cleanest in the county, just does not cut it. I am not from Missouri, the ÒShow Me StateÓ, but that would be a good fit if I were.
Thank you for youÕre careful consideration on this
important decision concerning those most effected by this project that have
been deigned the right to vote.
Henry L. Armstrong