FPL Proposed Coal - Operated Plant

-- A disaster waiting to happen!--

This morning (February 10, 2005), a meeting was held with Ms. Analee Mayes, President of Consensus Builders, Inc., Tampa, who was representing Florida Power and Light.

Her purpose was to meet with some residents in this area (District 5, Carlton Road/Glades Cutoff Road) to obtain local opinions about the proposed coal-fired FPL "Bluefield Plant", scheduled to come into production by 2012 and 2013. It was not a pleasant thought, as it looks like "dejavu" - all over again!

Craig Spengler, Jim Morgan, B.E. Williams, Alyce Stickles expressed their concerns about (1) Health Impact, (2) Water Usage, (3) Noise, (4) Aesthetics, (5) effects of the construction phases.

They indicated an understanding that more power is needed in order to accomodate growth.

However, it is essential that all players -- especially the residents who will be most affected by the proposed plant's "sphere of influence" -- be consulted immediately.

FPL is planning to apply to the P&Z for a zoning change and conditonal use permit by April of this year.

Craig spoke with Ms. Rachel Scott to find out the status of the Midway Road proposed plant. She indicated that since the Public Service Commission was discouraging natural gas plants -- as mentioned -- which require far less real estate than the coal-fired variety, the plans for Bluefield were floated.

Here are some of the basic issues and impacts presented about the coal plant. Impacts that we cannot ignore, unless all the residents 30mi radius away or more leave the area!