EPA objects to Smith plant permit

THE COURIER-JOURNAL - MAY 25, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has objected to how state regulators addressed particle pollution in the air quality permit for East Kentucky Power's proposed Smith power plant in Clark County.

In a letter dated May 24 to state environmental regulators, EPA officials said the state didn't require an adequate assessment of soot and other dangerous particles that the plant was expected to emit into the air.

Karen Wilson, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, said state officials had based their permit on actual regulations. The EPA, she said, is now asking them to follow more stringent "guidance" that hasn't been formalized. She said state officials intend to discuss the EPA objection with cooperative officials.

The cooperative had planned to start construction later this year but last month. But in April, it filed with the state Public Service Commission to withdraw a request for approval of up to $900 million in private financing, said Andrew Melnykovych, PSC spokesman.

East Kentucky Power provides electricity to 16 distribution cooperatives that serve 500,000 Kentucky homes, farms, businesses and industries across 87 counties.