Response to Star Farmer News letter
Editor, Star Farmer News -
I am responding to a letter that appeared in the Thursday, July 19, 2007, edition of the Star Farmer News . The letter ("Using water to produce mercury and global warming") was submitted by Patrick J. Moore, CURE executive director.
Mr. Moore referred to a July 11 meeting of the South Dakota Water Management Board wherein the board voted unanimously to approve a ground water appropriation for the Big Stone Units I and II. The vote followed presentations by expert witnesses in water use planning, alternative power plant cooling technologies, and groundwater availability and impacts. Prior to the vote, each board member complimented the witnesses on the thoroughness of their modeling and analyses.
Mr. Moore states that the water will be used by the Big Stone plants to produce mercury and create global warming by burning coal. Actually, in using water from Big Stone Lake and the Veblen Aquifer, the two Big Stone Units will produce electricity for some 2.3 million people in five states -- certainly a beneficial use of the water resource.
His claim that the Sisseton-Wahpeton people were denied time to study how use of the aquifer would affect tribal land is somewhat misleading. Anyone interested in intervening in the permit process had ample time to do so. The Big Stone ground water permit application was made on March 28, 2007, which gave any interested party - including the Wahpeton-Sisseton Tribe - plenty of time to voice their concerns.
Mr. Moore contends that Ms. Mary Jo Stueve of South Dakota Clean Water Action cross examined witnesses and testified at the meeting. However, Ms. Stueve offered no evidence to contradict or disprove the expert witnesses' testimony.
Mr. Moore was correct in stating the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources had no objections to the ground water permit application. In fact, the Department's chief engineer recommended approval.
In building Big Stone II, we will actually reduce mercury emissions from the Big Stone site. And, Big Stone II will produce 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable coal-fired power plant. We're committed to responsible environmental stewardship while providing our customers with reliable electric power. Sound water management practices are part of that commitment.
Daniel Sharp
Communication Manager
Big Stone II Project
| << Return to viewpoints page |  |
Download pdf |
