Proposed Hempstead Co. Swepco power plant facing challenges

The clean-burning coal power plant we are expecting just 15 miles northeast of Texarkana is beginning to face its first test from Emon Mahony, environmentalists, and local/regional outdoorsmen. A Petition to Intervene filed by Entegra Power Group was denied yesterday. A hearing has been set for June 28, 2007 on all contested issues.

Many believe that most concerns will be satisfied and resolved and that this project will continue on as planned. The 600 megawatt plant will use an advanced coal combustion technology called “ultra-supercritical,” making it one of the first plants of its type to go into operation in the U.S. The coal will be shipped by rail from the Powder River Basin area of Wyoming (near Gillette -- a few hours south of Devil's tower, for you Griswald types). The anticipated completion date is 2011, and the project is expected to bring 1,400 temporary jobs and 110 permanent positions to our area.

Here's a link to the PSC docket on the matter (must enter docket number: 06-154-U -- unable to link directly to the page for some reason).