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Profit Motive May Sink Sumas Gas Plant
The environmental and social costs of the proposed 660 megawatt Sumas natural gas power plant outweigh the resulting energy benefits, according to Washington's Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC ). EFSEC recommended that Governor Locke deny a permit for the facility.
EFSEC's order states that the applicant "has not shown that the plant would produce direct energy or economic benefits to consumers or lead to lower energy costs in Washington or in the region." The proposed facility would operate as a merchant power plant, selling electricity to the highest bidders. The developer's failure to present an adequate plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributed to EFSEC's final recommendation. Other issues of concern included air quality impacts in the Lower Fraser River Valley , oil tanker truck traffic impacts, water quality and quantity impacts at local wells, and risk of increased flood hazard.
The city of Abbotsford in British Columbia and its Chamber of Commerce intervened in the proceeding along with several parties in Washington. EFSEC heard overwhelming public opposition to the plant from witnesses on both sides of the border, and agreed that the projected three tons of new pollutants a day from the proposed facility should not enter the Lower Fraser River Valley airshed. The area is highly populated and expects continued growth, while the airshed is confined and already polluted. The final order indicates the project on its own has many positive attributes, but the location is not appropriate.
The developer plans to file a motion for reconsideration. EFSEC will send its recommendation to Governor Locke after considerating that motion. The Governor will then have 60 days to act. Although the statute is somewhat ambiguous, precedent argues that Locke can uphold or overturn the Council's decision or request reconsideration.
Danielle Dixon