There is no hiding behind the fact that the explosion at coal-fired Plant Bowen yesterday could happen at any of the power plants in Washington County. Accidents happen.
Plant Washington developer Dean Alford has never actually built a coal plant. Should we be checking his firefighting credentials too? How about the firefighting credentials of local business owners who are banking on tidy profits associated with the plant? How many elected leaders will suit up in fire gear? Will Washington EMC Board Members and Senior Management race in to help?
The EPD told citizens that plant operators would be required to handle a fire or accident should there be one at Plant Washington. We can’t get them to show up for a fish kill, so my confidence in assurances about public safety are zero.
Local volunteer firefighters have told me there is no way we have adequate fire fighting capacity to fight fires at the two natural gas peaker plants here or a coal-fired plant. They also told me they won’t suit up because a fire at any of these plants would be more than our local folks could handle.
Just how far are local leaders willing to go at the expense of our health and safety? And if they wouldn’t risk their lives, or those of their families, to protect Plant Washington, how can they expect anyone else to do the same?
So, what’s your solution?
Do you suggest that every power generating facility be staffed with a full-time, large fire department? Georgia Power could provide that, but the rate payers will have to pay extra for it.
Or perhaps do you suggest that all power generating facilities be relocated to areas with large, full-time fire departments? That would cost $billions for which the ratepayers must pay extra.
Or maybe we eliminate all generation except hydropower, wind, and solar since they have less to burn? Are you prepared to do without electricity for part of each day?
By the way, Plant Bowen has been operating since 1975.