Environmental groups appeal coal plant ruling
Environmental groups have appealed a state board’s approval of the air-quality permit for waste coal-fired power plant.
Wellington Development LLC officials have said the $800 million plant would be fueled by 3.1 million tons of waste coal from piles at abandoned mines in Greene, Fayette and Washington counties. The plant would burn 85 percent waste coal and 15 percent newly mined coal.
But the Group Against Smog and Pollution, the National Parks Conservation Association and two individuals appealed to the state Commonwealth Court last week.
They contend the plant’s proposed emission controls will not meet the Clean Air Act requirements.
Helen Humphries, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said construction can proceed throughout the appeals.
