DHEC board to hold hearing on coal-fired plant

Amid a growing national debate over coal-fired power plants, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control's board agreed Thursday to review a staff decision to give Santee Cooper an air pollution permit for its proposed generator on the Great Pee Dee River.

The seven-member board will hear arguments for and against last month's staff decision during a public meeting Feb. 12 at the agency's headquarters in Columbia.

The commissioners could ask staff to reconsider its decision, do additional studies or reverse the staff and deny the permit, said Thom Berry, director of media relations.

Santee Cooper wants to build a $1.25 billion coal plant near Florence. To move forward, the utility needs state and federal air and water pollution permits. On Dec. 16, DHEC approved Santee Cooper's air emissions permit. Conservation and citizen's groups immediately appealed the decision to the agency's board.

Commissioners are appointed to four-year terms by the governor with the consent of the Senate.

Conservation groups here and nationally are taking aim at coal plants, which emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.