Homer III Wants to Blacken Peytona

Massey Energy must think folks dont have enough coal dust problems have you seen the big dome to "control" coal dust in Sylvester? because they want to build another coal preparation plant in Boone Co.

After five years of citizen agitation and a lawsuit, the dome went up to contain dust at Masseys Elk Run plant, which crushes coal into powder for power plant boilers.

Sylvester resident Pauline Canterberry says, "The dome is not working. The outside of the dome is just as black as it could be."

Now, a Massey subsidiary in Peytona, Homer III Processing, wants an expanded air permit, which would allow it to emit up to 5,850 tons per year of dust, nearly half of which will be the very fine (under 10 microns) dust that drives Boone Countians crazy.

This ultra-fine dust cant be swept up. These fine particles are the ones most likely to cause respiratory problems, because they are able to bypass the bodys defenses and lodge deep in the lungs. If dust control measures at the plant fail or operate poorly, the plant could emit up to 19,000 tons of dust per year as uncontrolled fugitive emissions.

Peytona resident Jim Browning is worried about the air permit. He said "Were already having dust problems. When I power-washed my house the water that ran off was black. If this Homer III permit is approved, it will be four times worse and Im three miles away!"

He also expressed concern about coal dust building up in his attic. Coal dust, which can spontaneously combust under certain conditions, is a fire hazard. "If it keeps building up, Ill have to seal up the louvers in my attic," Browning said.

For more info on how to help, contact Dave at the OVEC office, (304) 522-0246 or dave@ohvec.org.