ACT became aware of a proposed waste coal power plant to be constructed a few miles away from our community in Robinson Township, Washington County. The plant will be located where Rt. 22 meets Rt. 980 (at the McDonald exit off of Rt. 22). The plant is referred to as the Beech Hollow Energy Project and is being proposed by the Robinson Power Company, led by Mr. Ray Bologna.

ACT was surprised to learn that the plans for this plant had been underway for many years and in the permitting process since at least 2005—few residents on our area had any knowledge of it. As a first step, ACT engaged in a strategic fact-finding mission to learn about the possible benefits and concerns related to the plant, specifically as it relates to our community. The fact finding included: Contacting Mr. Bologna for information, researching past coverage in the local media, contacting Residents Against the Power Plant (RAPP), visiting the DEP offices, ordering and reviewing an independent report on coal combustion waste management (National Academies of Science, 2006), researching waste coal combustion through on line sources, and contacting groups such as the Environmental Integrity Project, and the Sierra Club.

In order to stimulate community engagement in the issue, ACT hosted a community Information Forum on June 23, 2009 from 7pm to 9pm at Celebrations and More Restaurant. Over 120 people attended the event; Only 1 person spoke out in support of the plant during a 1 hour question and answer session.

As of March 2010, the DEP had rescinded the plant's air pollution permit (a necessary permit for major construction to begin) due to inadequate progress on the plan. The developer can reapply for this permit but the proposal for the plant will have to be modified to comply with newer regulations. ACT still has significant concerns about the possibility of this plant being constructed, especially given that new, more stringent regulations regarding fly ash dumps are forthcoming for the federal level. We will keep you posted.