Latest News
TCEQ holds water hearing
A pubic hearing on the water discharge permit for a proposed power plant in Navarro County brought about 125 people to Dawson Auditorium Monday night.
Navarro Generating is seeking to build a natural gas-fired power plant in the southern part of the county — one of two companies that planned to build here. Pin Oak Power pulled its application in July, announcing it would not build a proposed 1.2 megawatt facility. Navarro Generating is proposing a smaller facility, producing about 600 megawatts of power.
The hearing, conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, allowed both informal and formal comments, and gave those in attendance a chance to question both regulators and the plant’s developers.
Opponents of the proposed facility questioned the safety of the plant’s proposed discharge of about 1.5 million gallons of water daily back into the Richland Chambers Lake, and what the water’s effect on surrounding property owners’ land and families would be.
Carla Steele, a resident near the plant, expressed concerns over the health of both children and animals exposed to the discharge from the plant.
“Who is going to pay the doctor bills for the kids,” she asked of the panel. “That water is going to come to my family.”
“We do not want our land, water, and children’s’ lives affected,” added Vicky Prater.
Charles Morgan, a resident of neighboring Freestone County, called for the permit and plant operators “to be held to the highest standards” in protecting the environment.
Supporters of the plant spoke out in favor of granting the water permit, citing economic benefits to the area and the need for new industry and jobs the plant would bring.
“It’s an important economic project ... we vitally need this,” said Corsicana Mayor C.L. “Buster” Brown III. “Just do your job and we’ll be fine.”
“Neither the city or county (government) oppose this plan,” said Lee McCleary, economic development director for both entities. “We hope you give us a favorable decision.”
Lindsey King, speaking on behalf of the Navarro County Board of Realtors, said the organization supported “complete approval ... we see a definite need.”
Formal comments submitted to the TCEQ will now be addressed by TCEQ staff, and the permit application could be subject to a hearing before an administrative law judge.
The air quality permit for Navarro Generating is still going through the regulatory process.
—————
Click here to e-mail Bob Belcher.
Click here to Soundoff on this story.
- Latest News
-
-
CISD enrollment up 100 in new school year
The outlook the new school year for the Corsicana Independent School District is positive and exciting, according to CISD Superintendent Dr. Diane Frost.
-
Reward increased for missing sex offender
The Texas Department of Public Safety has designated a sexually violent sex offender from Dallas with ties to Corsicana as one of the most wanted fugitives in the state of Texas — and increased the reward for his capture to $5,000.
-
Power plant hearing set
A pre-hearing date has been set for the Navarro Generating water discharge permit, which is necessary to building a proposed power plant in southern Navarro County.
-
Church News
Mildred Baptist Church will host a revival from Sept. 26 to 29 featuring Evangelist Paul Vick, who will bring his music and message to the revival. The Sunday services will be at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday services will be at 7 p.m. The church is located at 5502 S. Highway 287 in Mildred. For more information, call (903) 874-7928.
-
Local Beat
Sept. 6
Corsicana Masonic Lodge will not meet because of Labor Day. -
Entertainment Beat
Sept. 3
VFW Post 3366 will host Country Sue’s Karaoke!The karaoke will be held in the post canteen. Sue has thousands of songs to choose from and her sound is second to none! You will be on center stage. Come be a star! VFW is open from 4p.m. till midnight! Karaoke starts at 8pm till 12pm! For more information or to reserve tables call (903) 872-38211. -
AAA: More people will hit the road this Labor Day
More Americans will get away for the Labor Day weekend this year, yet stick closer to home as they try to get the most for their money, AAA said Wednesday.
-
Gulf oil platform explodes, burning off La. coast
An offshore petroleum platform exploded and was burning Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico about 100 miles off the Louisiana coast, west of the site where BP's undersea well spilled after a rig explosion.
-
Ellis County authorities seize $10M worth of pot
Law enforcement authorities south of Dallas say they've seized nearly 20,000 marijuana plants with a street value of nearly $10 million.
-
Second appliance rebate program for Texas
Texans frustrated by not being able to get through by phone or online to take part in an April energy-efficient appliance rebate program will have another chance.
- More Latest News Headlines
-
