I went to the meeting expecting a heated debate with concerned citizens, but it was actually quite calm and not very well attended. Several people commented that they were in favor of the proposed expansion because of the positive impact it would have on the struggling local economy. A representative from Southern Company stated that the construction phase would create around 150 jobs, and that when completed, the addition will require 2 or 3 full-time workers. I learned something interesting, which is that small power plants like these only run about 13 days per year. I am wondering why, if that is the case, that the facility needs four new turbines.
Only one person spoke of their concern about the health and environmental repercussions of the power plant. So either the Greenlaw memo overstates the public's concern, or the people just did not show up.
It was an interesting interviewing experience because the people from the EPA and the media relations representative from Southern Company were eager to talk. The Southern Power rep was quick to state that the company pays 1.9 million dollars per year in taxes to the county. He also said that people were more concerned about jobs than the consequences of the power plant. I began to wonder if I was being manipulated a bit. He actually called what I was doing "advocacy journalism".
Hopefully I can untangle this for my next story. It is well documented that power plants do lead to enduring health consequences for the communities that live near them.
