International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1307

9095 Bi-State Boulevard, Delmar, MD 21875

                                   DNREC PERMIT HEARING

                                                         FOR

                        NRG ENERGY (NPDES) PERMIT #DE0050580

          For the microsoft word version of this article click here to download

 A public hearing was held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008 in Millsboro , Del. to allow public comment regarding the proposed DNREC draft permit that would let NRG’s Indian River Generating Plant continue to operate under the same standards set forth in the current “administratively extended permit” which expired in 1992.

            Approximately 50 people attended with over a dozen opposition speakers electing to comment and challenge the proposed DNREC draft permit.  The primary goal of the speakers seemed to be for DNREC to suspend any further impact studies, arguing that enough evidence already exists to support their position of having DNREC mandate that NRG build cooling towers for its open-loop, once-through cooling water units immediately.  They want the existing permits daily standards met today and for the regulations to be enforced to the letter.  The proposed draft permit wouldn’t force any action on NRG’s part regarding new cooling towers until year 2011.  It didn’t seem to matter that NRG will be taking units #1 & #2 out of service before then, leaving only unit #3 as a once-through cooling system.  The speakers presented several documents quoting fish kill statistics of various species such as flounder, croaker, menhaden, bay anchovy and blue crabs.

            Most speakers were representatives of the same groups or individuals who attack and accuse DNREC, Delmarva Power and NRG of being responsible for every environmentally negative impact in this area from A-Z, as well as any adverse medical condition that they can come up with.  It doesn’t matter to them what the financial impact of their demands would be to the company, or if they could get their investment back or even if the cost would put this plant out of business.  These groups are Citizens for Clean Power, Green Delaware, the Coalition to Protect Our Environment, and others.  As is the case with many of these types of hearings, there is rarely any significant presence speaking on behalf of the company or the rank and file employee.  DNREC and  NRG leadership simply become target practice for the dedicated opposition spokespersons who often relish standing at the podium and getting the lion’s share of media attention, which helps them gain support and build their coalitions even stronger.

            I am not denying that they often make some good points based on sound statistical data or that their motives are not without merit.  It is just not as black and white or as easy to address as they would have us believe.  We all want clean air and water and to be good stewards to our environment and eco-systems, it is how we get there that comes into debate.  It is critical for all employees to understand that we are always under attack and that the attackers are very committed to achieving their objectives.  They always outnumber our people 10-1 at these forums and they are unrelenting.  The Company, the Union and the employee/members have much at stake and much take a strong proactive role in any and all affairs regarding their future and job security.  I we don’t fight these battles when they arise or we wait until final decisions have been made, we may easily go the way of several other fossil fuel plants (NRG’s included) and be closed down forever.

Respectfully Submitted by:  Mike Dennis (Retired member)