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EPA Sends Big Stone II Coal Plant Back To Drawing Board
Less than three days after the Bush Administration left office, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overturned the State of South Dakota's approval of the massive BigStone II coal-fired power plant. The EPA's decision comes after the state failed to require state-of-the-art pollution controls for the coal plant that would address concerns about harmful soot, smog and global warming pollution.
EPA decision on Big Stone II, part 1 (pdf, 2.12 MB)
Big Stone II: Rising Risk, Lowered Water
Overview
- Background
- Key Issues
- MERCURY
- CO2 / GLOBAL WARMING
- WATER
- Current Status
- Questions
by Mary Jo Stueve, South Dakota Program Coordinator
Get the full presentation (pdf, 556 Kb)
Big Stone II Makes Massive Water Demands
Plans for the proposed Big Stone II coal plant near Milbank, South Dakota call for using massive amounts of water. In addition to the 3.2 billion gallon surface draw approved last year, co-owners have now filed for another 3.2 billion gallons from groundwater. With concerns about pollution growing and spiraling costs for the proposed coal plant, excessive water demands add another reason to say no to Big Stone II. This huge demand for water could be disastrous for the local area and farmers - as well as Big Stone Lake. For many years, water discharge has exceeded recharge, and experts say that previous underground water levels are not likely to return because of increased demand on a limited resource.
IGCC: Asking the Hard Questions: Can Coal Ever Be "Clean"?
Presentation Overview
Big Stone II Coal Case Study
- Players & Action Arenas
- Key Issues
- Power-Ploys & Counter-Ploys
- Media Matters
- Lessons Learned
by Mary Jo Stueve, South Dakota Program Coordinator
Get the complete presentation (pdf, 712 Kb)
No To Coal At Big Stone, Yes To Clean Renewables
Problem
Otter Tail Power Company, in conjunction with several other power companies, is proposing a major new source of air and water pollution for South Dakota and Minnesota. Otter Tail plans to more than double the output of the existing coalburning power plant at Big Stone by building a new $1.6 billion plant on the same site . Big Stone II. Coal pollution is a threat to our health and environment. Investing in a costly new coal-burning power plant wastes money and takes South Dakota away from safe, clean renewable energy from wind.
Toxic Coal Pollution
U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory Envirofacts Report: Ottertail Powerplant
Get the full report (pdf, 133 Kb)
You will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader properly installed to view PDF documents. You can get it free from Adobe.
Big Stone II: A Big Mistake
Problems with Big Stone II
- It's destructive: Big Stone II and global warming
- It's expensive: impact of emerging global warming laws on costs of Big Stone II
- It's not needed: wind-based alternatives can meet energy needs better
- It's a lost opportunity: wind power brings far more permanent economic benefits to the region
by Barbara Freese, Union of Concerned Scientists presented at SoDak Park Supper Club on the South Dakota shores of Big Stone Lake at the September 28th, 2006 Public Education Forum.
Overview of the South Dakota Generation and Transmission Facilities
by Greg Rislov, Commission Advisor to the SD Public Utilities Commission, SDEIA Board Educational Meeting June 9, 2006 presentation.
Get the complete presentation (pdf, 1.1MB)
Mercury and Coal Plants: An Overview
What are the sources of mercury pollution in the region?
- Energy: coal-burning power plants
- Taconite processing (MN only)
- Purposeful use:
- Municipal solid waste combustion
- Volatilization of disposed products
- Smelters that recycle cars, appliances
Mercury pollution from coal plants
Coal plants are the largest source of mercury pollution in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Other Publications
Carbon Capture and Geologic Storage
Risks to Public Health and Water Resources
Carbon Capture and Storage Overview
Protecting Michigan children's health and growing our economy through green chemistry
Michigan is only as strong as its next generation. That's why Michigan legislators must be forceful advocates for the health and safety of children, especially children in economically disadvantaged areas who are typically exposed to higher levels of pollutants.
Childhood Asthma Prevalence (ages 0–17)
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics
This can be accomplished through laws limiting chemicals and pollutants linked to afflictions like childhood asthma, obesity, autism, learning disabilities and cancers.
Many of our laws and protections, however, are outdated, ineffective and have not kept pace with a new generation of scientific and health research.
Improve the quality of our state's most valuable economic and natural resource
Source: University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation
Located in the center of the planet's greatest freshwater resource, Michigan has a unique role as steward and caretaker of the majestic Great Lakes. They contain almost 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, and Michigan is the only state entirely within their basin. The rivers, streams, ponds and groundwater that are the Lakes' lifeblood are also the backbone of the Michigan economy, essential to the health of its ecosystems and vital to our very identity as Michiganders. Unfortunately, our water resources are at continuing risk.
"Pure Michigan" at risk due to budget cuts at DNRE
Source: State of Michigan Executive Budget, FY2011
Michigan sells its natural beauty to the rest of the country through its "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign. Michigan has a long history of environmental and conservation innovation and leadership. Unfortunately, in recent years, that dedication has weakened, and investment has faded.
Clean energy means Michigan jobs
Investing in Michigan-made clean energy will inject prosperity into our economy and stimulate
new job growth throughout the state. Global demand for clean energy products is skyrocketing. By positioning ourselves as leaders in advanced-battery technology, solar component manufacturing and wind turbine production, Michigan businesses will cultivate global markets.
In Michigan, we import 100% of our coal, 100% of our uranium, 97% of our petroleum and 80% of our natural gas. This amounts to more than $26 billion being permanently shipped out of the Michigan economy annually.1 Homegrown clean energy ventures will produce jobs here in Michigan and keep that money circulating locally.