Company alerts citizens to fine
By Katy Stech
When Kinder Morgan didn't make clear the details of a $19,000 fine that the coal-terminal operator incurred last year for air-quality violations, it prompted a minor uproar from neighbors and a subsequent apology.
Previous story
Agency honors coal shipper, hits it with fine, published 12/31/08
So next time, the company in Charleston's Neck Area knew what it had to do.
Kinder Morgan representatives on Wednesday notified a citizen advisory panel it meets with that it has been hit with another fine — this time for $17,600 — from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.
DHEC cited the company for excessive levels of sediment in a collection pond that were discovered by company inspectors and reported to the agency.
Arthur Rudolph, Kinder Morgan's regional general manager, said the sediment buildup occurred after workers began spraying more water around the 208-acre site to prevent coal dust from flying off in the wind.
"The increase in water is what caused this," he said.
Rudolph disclosed the fine after offering an apology for not notifying the citizens group of the previous fine, which stemmed from loose coal dust. Some members complained that they learned of that fine from The Post and Courier, not directly from the company.
"I want to hear it from you, not from the paper," panel member Susan Graham said.
Kinder Morgan said it has spent more than $1.5 million on improvements at its Charleston site, helping it secure an expansion permit that would enable the terminal to handle more than 10 million tons of coal each year.
Because of the shaky economy, it's unclear when construction will begin, Rudolph said.
Reach Katy Stech at 937-5549 or kstech@postandcourier.com.
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voxpopuli (anonymous) says...
What is all the fuss about on how they found out about the fine. The important point is there was a problem and appropriate action was taken.
February 2, 2009 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Some people just like to stamp their little footsies and pout these days.
February 2, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
If enough people complain and the company is fined enough they may just have to shut down, pack up and leave.
Then people can complain about the loss of jobs.
February 2, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Posted by yird on February 2, 2009 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If enough people complain and the company is fined enough they may just have to shut down, pack up and leave.
Then people can complain about the loss of jobs.
*****************************************************
Game, set and match.
February 2, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JF (anonymous) says...
Coal is good for you! To the people who complain I would offer a free lump of coal.
February 2, 2009 at noon ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
HUMMMM....do I want black lung or a job?
February 2, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Well, let's see; we don't want dams, coal, nuclear power, oil, or gas. Realistically, what does that leave us. You cannot count on wind and sun on demand. Well, we don't want to use wood, whale oil, or methane from too many cows, horses, and such. I guess we just need to roll over and die. Some folks need to go find a commune or something.
February 2, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Praise is due for the ACTION that was taken in getting the information to the people and in PRINT for all to see...!!
Executives and workers at Kinder-Morgan......see .....getting this info OUT and reporting it yourself does WONDERS..!! I would highly suggest that you consider this approach to ANY coal fired power plant you SERVE..!!! Can you imagine the response if the COAL fired PLANTS used PLASMA converters to take care of the emissions that come OUT !!! Not only would the coal be CLEANED ...the local LANDFILL would be turned into a total recycling CENTER !!!! Have you informed all coal fired plants about the PLASMA Converters from www.startech.net !!!! This is your state AND fellow citizens too...!!!!
Stand up Kinder-Morgan .....for LANDFILL Freedom !!!!
We have the technology.....
OBAMA ...WANTS ...CHANGE !!!!!!!!
February 2, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jobs4us (anonymous) says...
Let's all marvel at crack business reporter Katy Stetch. She has an uncanny ability to bring us two year old stories and somehow put a fresh face on them. How can she do it.. well let's see.. Take a 2 year old issue, join a CAP group that you don't care anything about, never attend any meetings, use the minutes to create a story, and behold the new City Paper reporter. I await with baited breath for the next 2 year old story gleaned from emailed minutes. How about another story about Ashley Furniture? Oops that story was a little late too.
February 4, 2009 at 10:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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