Wednesday, August 15, 2001

This is in response to Mr. Brad Apking's letter about the proposed power plant. I respect Mr. Apking's study of power plants, and agree with him that smokestack emissions are not as polluting as they once were. Unlike him, I feel these emissions are still unhealthy. The problems with this plant, however, go much deeper than smokestack emissions.

Mr. Apking stated, "The disadvantage to the home owners in the area is they live right along where one of the main natural gas lines crosses Georgia." In reality, the only gas line near the location is a smaller feeder line owned by a competitor. Williams Energy's line is the big Transco mainline, which, at its nearest point to the site, crosses New Hope Road about two miles from the Fayetteville city limits. Would anyone like to guess what Williams will ask for next?

Mr. Apking also asked about the current zoning for the proposed location. It is A/R (agricultural/residential). The proposed plant would require M2 (heavy industrial).

What about noise pollution? This would be a 1,023 megawatt plant, one of the larger such facilities in the state. Huge generators will be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Folks living near a similar plant on the Heard County-Coweta County line say it sounds like a jet plane that never goes away.

What about visual pollution? Four smokestacks, each 210 feet tall, will lower the quality of life and reduce property values in the entire area.

What about light pollution? Power plants are very brightly illuminated by arrays of powerful lights, blocking any clear view of the night sky (and shining in bedroom windows) for miles around.

What about the seven million gallons of water this plant will use each day? Even though they propose to build a 12-mile pipeline to the Chattahoochee and use non-potable water, that water is forever lost from other possible uses. Folks downstream are still our neighbors.

The major problem with this proposed plant is its location. By their very nature, power plants should be built in a less populated area, and almost always are. By our estimate, the proposed site is within five miles of over 30,000 residents.

A most troubling situation is that of Christian City, a huge convalescent, retirement and children's center with over 1,100 residents, all especially vulnerable to pollution. Most of the retirees have their life's savings tied up in these retirement homes. The proposed site is under a mile from the existing Christian City complex, and just over half a mile from their planned new children's facility.

One last fact: Georgia is a power-exporting state. We produce more than we use. Williams Energy is on the national grid, and sells power to the highest bidder. One of the highest bidders this year is California.

To destroy the quality of life for Christian City and a large portion of Fayette County for this purpose would truly be an abomination.

Brenda and Chuck Davenport

Fayetteville

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