Published: July 02, 2008 12:55 am            

SOMERSET: AES tour impresses Town Board

SOMERSET — Town leaders, wanting an update on the status of the landfill that is located on the AES property, have taken a close look at the coal-burning power plant.

Supervisor Richard Meyers, town board members Daniel Engert, April Gow and Dudley Chaffee and Town Engineer Randy Roeseler of Wendel Duchsherer were guided by Jon Reimann of AES Somerset.

“Jon was very open and welcomed this opportunity to develop a productive dialogue with the town,” said Engert, who initiated the tour. “Considering the recent and costly litigation issues relative to the landfill and the opening of the second area, it seemed like an opportune time to try to foster a mutually beneficial dialogue between the two entities and to attempt to work together moving forward.”

The board was welcomed by AES and was provided an informative and detailed tour of the coal-burning power plant and operations related to the landfill.

Meyers, who had another appointment, saw the presentation from inside the plant but was unable to take the walking tour. “The board members had a positive response to the tour,” the supervisor said. “I’ve always had the impression that AES ran a tight ship. They follow the rules.”

Reimann provided an open presentation for approximately two hours regarding the process of emissions, air and liquid environmental controls that are in place. He said AES was one of the most efficient and clean coal-burning facilities in the entire country and provided specific percentage breakdowns.

In layman’s terms, the figures were extremely impressive to the visitors, with 97 percent to 99 percent of by-product and emission issues being removed prior to anything going to the landfill.

“I was very impressed and reassured with the massive efforts and resources that AES has invested to protect environmental issues relative to this plant that exists in our town.” Engert said.

Meyers, Engert, Gow, Chaffee and Roeseler toured the landfill and actually walked on the surface of it. They observed the testing wells and were provided access to quarterly testing results. The binders containing those results are available at the town hall for residents to review.

According to Reimann, the facility and landfill have consistently been evaluated and reviewed by independent laboratories and are strictly regulated by the state and federal agencies charged with oversight. Without exception, AES has received better-than-satisfactory ratings.

“It was extremely positive and informative, from my perspective,” said Engert, who has asked if further meetings could be scheduled. Reimann indicated that he would welcome such arrangements.

Engert hopes to facilitate a tour that could include interested residents who may wish to see the site. The board member wants to coordinate an effort to create a community liaison group that includes members of the Somerset community, as well as AES employees and management officials.

The liaison group would meet regularly to discuss ongoing issues relative to the facility, as well as future investments, such as the lake unloading pier project. When the project was first announced, AES said construction would begin in 2009 on the 3,200-foot pier for conveying coal into the plant. Construction time is estimated at 12 to 18 months, and the project cost is estimated at $25 million.

The board will meet on Tuesday to further discuss a community host agreement with Empire State Wind Energy. CEO Keith Pitman said, “Send what you got,” according to Meyers.

        

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