Power plant proposal getting no opposition so far

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Last week's announcement by Williams Corp. that it intends to build a power plan in South Fulton County has caused barely a ripple on the political landscape yet.

Williams announced its intention of building a 1,230-megawatt energy supply facility on Peters Road near Fairburn.

Before starting construction, the firm faces a one-year permitting process, including a rezoning petition that will go before the Fulton County Commission.

Contacted earlier this week, Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards said he is still studying the company's proposal. Until he gets all the information he needs, Edwards won't comment on it.

The 288-acre site borders Fayette County, and company officials are pledging to use only 30 acres on the site for the facility.

The project, called the Fulton Energy Center, is projected to be up and running in 2004.

During Monday night's Fairburn City Council meeting, City Administrator Tony Cox announced the company's intent to build the plant and said the situation would require careful monitoring by the council.

"This is just a massive operation," he said.

Cox was not sure what sort of noise abatement issues would have to be settled, but pledged to keep the council informed of the plant's progress.

City Attorney Brad Sears said he imagined the noise issues would center on the start-up of the plant.

"In any turbine engine, the start-up phase is always the loudest," he said.

Plant officials said the plant would generate up to $1 million in tax revenue to Fulton County and have a minimal impact on county services, such as roads and schools.

The facility will be powered by natural gas and the site was chosen because of its proximity to the Transco pipeline, which Williams owns. For information on the project, go to www.FultonEnergyCenter.com.

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