Delaware Sierra News

A Sierra Club N ewsletter about Environmental Matters Important to Delaware Fall 2004
March April May 2007

Letter from the Delaware Chapter Chair

by Jay Cooperson
his past spring the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra
T Club and other conservation and public interest
organizations, along with individual citizens, took
pleasure in the state government’s decision to mandate
the use of an alternative energy source – wind power –
to provide a significant part of the state’s increasing
demand for electricity. It was a decision that these
groups and individuals had helped to bring about by
the strength of their vision and the marshaling of facts.
The Sierra Club, particularly through the work of
Chad Tolman, the chapter Energy Chair, was a singu-
larly strong advocate of the turn away from the total
reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power. (Delaware
does buy some of its electricity from nuclear power
plants in New Jersey.)
When Babcock & Brown (B&B), the 4th largest
wind power company in the world, purchased the orig-
inal wind power company, Bluewater Wind, the likely
success of the project increased substantially because
of B&B’s experience and ability to raise capital.
In the last few weeks, however, the undertaking
has been threatened by two developments: 1) an effort
led by Senator Harris McDowell (D) and other legisla-
tors to modify the review process already established
by the legislature in HB #6, and the inability or
unwillingness of Delmarva to negotiate a long-term
Power Purchase Agreement with Bluewater Wind.
The reasons cited for this opposition include the
environmental impact of a wind farm and the high
cost of the electricity generated. As to the first,
approval of the wind farm must undergo environmen-
tal impact studies. It would appear, at least initially,
that similar offshore operations in Denmark and else-
where have had relatively minor environmental
effects. Virtually every human enterprise or activity
has impacts upon the environment. Use of fossil fuels
has had enormous undesirable results, not restricted
solely to generation of greenhouse gases, ones that far
outweigh those caused by such alternative sources as
wind power.
The second reason cited for this opposition is the
higher cost of electricity to the consumer. Although
questions have been raised about the soundness of
some figures used, wind power use will probably raise
direct costs in the short term. But the dependence
upon fossil fuels has brought with it enormous indirect
costs from long term environmental changes to the
distortion of foreign policy and the abuse of human
rights, and the costs will rise dramatically as the cli-
mate changes. Our task is to recognize the true
long-term costs of this dependence and make certain
that it does not fall upon the poorest among us.
I shall ask both the chapter’s Conservation Com-
mittee and the Executive Committee to consider this
issue and fashion an appropriate response.

In This Issue Sierra Club - Delaware Chapter

NON-PROFIT
100 West 10th Street, Suite 1107
Letter from the Chair 1 U.S. POSTAGE
Wilmington, DE 19801 PAID
SDG Activity Report 2&3 WILMINGTON, DE
PERMIT NO. 740
SDG Pending Elections 3
Members Sought for New Committee 3
Fall Outings And Events 4
Southern Delaware Group Meetings 4
Energy Committee Wants You! 5
Tolman Attends CCL Meeting 5
EXCOM Officers & Members 6
Southern Delaware Group Activity Report
by Rich Anthony
AIR AND WATER QUALITY REGULATORY
ISSUES
Indian River Power Plant
Although the Public Service Commission (PSC)
has approved pursuing a wind farm, too many vari-
ables that could be decisive factors in site approval
remain unsettled. Those criteria are not in the
purview of either the PSC or the State of Delaware.
Because of the proposed location, the citing criteria
that will actually control the construction of such a
facility are outside the scope of authority of both the
PSC and the State of Delaware, leaving the proposed
wind farm’s final approval largely unsettled at this
time. In the interim, NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG), and
Conectiv continue to produce pollution, compromis-
ing both our air and water. Their continued presence
makes it all the more important to maintain vigilance
and demand the strictest compliance. There is no
plan to close any of the existing facilities, simply an
agreement to close “two boilers.” There does, how-
ever, remain a proposal for NRG to build yet another
generating facility at its Indian River site.
The current spin is, “instead of spending years liti-
gating, we'll negotiate” (see consent decree -
http://www.awm.delaware.gov/NRG+preliminary+ag
reement.htm). However, would it really have taken
years litigating the issue, or could an expedited deci-
sion by the Supreme Court have been sought?
And, is “clean” coal technology really any clean-
er? Or, with the proposed expansion of the existing
NRG facility will we be confronted with additional
problems in spite of the closing of two boilers? The
following link:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti-
cleAID=/20070827/NEWS/708270339/1217/COMM
UNITIES provides some interesting reading. Dover
was able to provide a compliance plan, NRG com-
plained it could not, and Conectiv simply has not. At
last report, Conectiv still has an active appeal pend-
ing and is not seeking a negotiated agreement.
Where, then, is any saving in litigation?
Delaware’s residents and visitors are faced with
NRG’s existing toxic ash pile on the banks of the
inland bays, the proposed future expansion of the
NRG facility, the recent publication of data revealing
cancer clusters for areas adjacent to the NRG facility,
and the adverse air and water impacts associated
with coal-fired generation facilities. In spite of the
2
foregoing, there is no movement to close these pollu-
tion producers, simply consideration to add yet
another coal-burning facility in eastern Sussex Coun-
ty, and, now, discussion of adding a gas-fired facility
in western Sussex County.
Inland Bays Pollution Control Strategy
Representatives of the Southern Delaware Group
attended the public hearings and presented testimony.
However, because of opposition, the “strategy” cur-
rently lacks any buffer system. But, fear not, we are
assured by DNREC that buffers are supposed to be
included later.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
HB 30 -
http://www.legis.state.de.us/lis/lis144.nsf/vwLegisla-
tion/HB+30?Opendocument
Thanks to all who took the time to respond to the
alert in June. The Southern Delaware Group provid-
ed testimony to the House Subcommittee supporting
HB30 and opposing the use of public lands for spray
irrigation. HB 30 was passed and has been forwarded
to the Senate. We will monitor future action on this
issue and advise when it is necessary to take further
action.
HB 289 -
http://www.legis.state.de.us/lis/lis144.nsf/vwLegisla-
tion/HB+239?Opendocument
The bill was introduced in late June and has yet to
be debated. It is a State Adequate Public Facilities
bill that addresses both “gray” and “green” infra-
structure and, in addition to fiscal sanity and the
economic benefits to taxpayers from requiring devel-
opers to capitalize the cost of growth, the bill affords
numerous environmental benefits while serving as a
major anti-sprawl/ growth control mechanism.
LAND USE ISSUES
The Southern Delaware Group has either moni-
tored, provided supporting testimony, or assisted
community efforts with advice and tactical planning
for numerous land use issues including, without limi-
tation, the proposed expansion of the Sussex County
Airport Industrial Park (wetlands, transportation and
clean air issues), Holts Landing (a residential devel-
opment proposal with wetlands issues), the Marsh
Farm (the elimination of forested buffers), Red Mill
Pond (storm-water runoff, silting, and lack of
enforcement), the SR1 and Route 113 Bypass sys-
continued on page 3
Southern Delaware Group Activity Report, continued
continued from page 2
tems, and the Sussex County Comprehensive Plan
Update process. Two Southern Delaware Group
members are sharing the responsibility of serving on
the CAC for the Kent County Comprehensive Plan
Update.
MISCELLANEOUS
Delaware Cancer Consortium Environmental
Committee Meeting
A representative of the Southern Delaware Group
attended the August meeting and spoke briefly on
public health issues related to toxic chemical emis-
sions from coal burning power plants. Our
representative noted that while we commend and
support Lt. Gov. Carney’s requests for further epi-
demiological studies and better information related to
the “cancer cluster” area surrounding the 1956-vin-
tage Indian River Power Plant (IRPP) the proposed
studies should also include, without limitation, health
impacts related to the inhalation of fine particles
(smaller than 2.5 microns), which are emitted during
the combustion of fossil fuels, and for which regula-
tions are nonexistent in Delaware's codes.
WATER QUALITY
The Coalition For Clean Water
The Southern Delaware Group looks forward to
resuming work with The Coalition for Clean Water.
In addition to Delaware’s woeful water quality
(90+% of our surface waters fail the Federal Clean
Water Act standards). Pennsylvania continues to push
to dredge the Delaware River’s main channel. Logic
Southern Delaware Group
Pending Elections
ny member of the Delaware Chapter Sierra
A Club who resides in Kent or Sussex County
is automatically a member of the Southern
Delaware Group. Southern Delaware Group mem-
bers vote in both chapter and group elections. If
you are interested in serving on the Southern
Delaware Group’s Executive Committee, please
contact one of the Nominating Committee mem-
bers listed below:
Rich Anthony enviro@delaware.net
Martha Keller 97433@UDel.Edu
David Keifer dkeifer@comcast.net
3
and probability suggest that Pennsylvania’s proposed
use of the spoils will ultimately result in the pollu-
tion of Pennsylvania’s surface waters, which will
once again, through surface and subsurface transfer-
ence, find their home in the Delaware River, flowing
downstream for all Delaware and New Jersey to
share. Both the potential compromises to water quali-
ty from dredging disturbances of the river bottom
and the contaminants therein, and the potential sub-
terranean destruction that northern New Castle
County could experience dictate that we must reaf-
firm our commitment to maintain a strong and
vigilant position on this issue. The coalition could
become a multi-organizational voice in supporting
Pennsylvania and New Jersey environmental organi-
zations in combating the Delaware Dredge, raising
questions regarding the sufficiency of the proposed
plan for the DuPont dioxin pile in Wilmington, and
driving meaningful remediation of the existing or
expanded NRG fly ash field.
Members Sought For New
Committee
by Brooks Twilley
o the policies set by our elected officials con-
D cern you and your regard for our planet? Does
the prospect of being able to educate voters and help
our movement excite you? Members just like you are
meeting to develop a political committee for our
chapter. We are just getting started, so now would be
the perfect time to get involved and help make a dif-
ference in our upcoming elections. The political
committee is still looking to fill key positions, as
well as building an energetic team of members to
work on getting the right leaders elected for our
environment.
At the September meeting of the Executive Com-
mittee, a unanimous vote called for the establishment
of a political committee, with approval for Debbie
Heaton to act as the committee chair. The next order
of business is to present the Executive Committee
with a work plan for their review. The Political Com-
mittee will be meeting to discuss the scope of our
efforts, how to focus our resources, and review train-
ing available to enable political action.
If you are interested in joining the team or con-
tributing as a committee member, please contact
Debbie Heaton (humbird11@verizon.net) or Brooks
Twilley (brooks.twilley@gmail.com).
Delaware Chapter Sierra Club Fall Outings & Events
Member Engagement Meeting – Are you a new Dover Social – Thursday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. –
member or a veteran member looking to get more order off the menu, cash bar. All members and their
involved with the Delaware chapter? This meeting is guests are invited. Sorentino’s, 518 Bay Road, Dover,
for you! Tuesday, November 13, 7 p.m. – Newark Free DE 19901. Contact: Ron Zink,
Library, 750 Library Avenue, Newark. For more infor- ron_z_19904@yahoo.com
mation, contact Ezra.Temko@SierraClub.org or Political Committee Meeting – Tuesday, December
302-981-3007 11, 7 p.m. – location TBD. For more information, con-
Political Committee Meeting – Wednesday, Novem- tact Debbie Heaton
ber 14, 7 p.m. – location TBD. For more information, Conservation Committee Meeting – Monday,
contact Debbie Heaton, humbird11@verizon.net December 17, 7 p.m. – Dover. Contact: Tim O’Con-
Executive Committee Meeting – Monday, November nor, Tim1158@aol.com
19, 7 p.m.. – Dover, location TBD, check the Chapter
website for details: www.delaware.sierraclub.org
Member Engagement Meeting – Are you a new
member or a veteran member looking to get more
involved with the Delaware chapter? This meeting is
for you! Tuesday, November 27, 7 p.m. – Community
Service Building, Conference Room 9, 100 West 10th
Street, Wilmington. For more information, contact
Ezra.Temko@SierraClub.org or 302-981-3007
Holiday Party! – Saturday, December 1, 5 p.m. –
Ron Zink’s house, 28 Winged Foot Road, Dover, 302-
735-8996, ron_z_19904@yahoo.com
If your last name begins with:
A thru F – bring a salad;
G thru I – bring bread;
J thru N – bring veggies;
O thru T – bring a dessert;
U thru Z – bring a “covered whatever”

Future Southern Delaware

Group Meeting
ll Delaware Chapter members living in Kent
A and Sussex Counties are members of the
Southern Delaware Group and are welcome to
attend all meetings regardless of location. Please
plan to attend, discuss your environmental concerns
and participate in planning the Southern Delaware
Group’s 2008 Conservation Program.
***
Executive Committee and Membership Meeting
Wednesday, November 28, 6:00-6:45 p.m.
Public Meeting with Guest Speaker and Work-
shop on NRG, Air Quality, and Sussex County
Comprehensive Plan
Wednesday, November 28, 7:00 p.m.
Location for above events: Sussex County Council
Chambers #2, The Circle, Georgetown
4
Energy Committee Wants You! Sierra Club Membership
re you interested in energy issues? Want to tack-
A le global warming? How about make sure
Delaware has renewable energy? If these things
Application Coupon
New Member Name(s)
appeal to you, then the energy committee is for you!
If you are interested in more information or want to
know when the next meeting is, contact Chad Tol- Address 1
man, 302-478-3516 or chadtolman@comcast.net. As
meetings are scheduled, they will also be posted on Address 2
the Delaware Sierra Club’s online calendar at City
www.delaware.sierraclub.org.
State Zip
Tolman Attends CCL Meeting Phone
had Tolman, our chapter’s Energy Committee
C Chair, recently attended the Council of Club
Leaders meeting in San Francisco. The CCL, which
E-mail
Membership Categories (circle one)
functions as an advisory body to the Board of Direc- INDIVIDUAL JOINT
tors on chapter and regional concerns, is composed of Introductory $25 NA
a delegate from each chapter, Sierra Club California, Regular $35 $43
and the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC). It provides a Supporting $50 $58
communications link between these entities and Contributing $100 $108
national Club leaders. It meets in joint session with Life $1000 $1250
the Board of Directors during the September Annual Senior $15 $23
Meeting of the Sierra Club. At the meeting, the group Student $15 $23
voted on candidates for the ExCom of the Council All dues include subscription to Sierra ($7.50) and chapter
and the OEGC, and heard from a number of club publications ($1). Dues are not tax deductible.
leaders. Be sure to check out all the details at Mail to: Sierra Club, P.O. Box 52968,
www.delaware.sierraclub.org. Boulder, CO 80321-2968 FrepNo: F94QW58001

5
 Delaware Chapter and Southern Delaware
Group Leaders
All phone numbers are Area Code 302 Additional Chapter Executive Committee
Members
Chapter Office Rich Anthony 645-1732
100 West 10th Street, Suite 1107 enviro@comcast.net
Wilmington, DE 19801 Dick Bewick 736-1670
425-4911 (Staff Direct Line: 981-3007) dynaflow29@verizon.net
Chapter Staff Steve Callanen 539-0635
Member & Community Engagement Coordinator: Kathleen Davis KDav40@aol.com
Ezra Temko 981-3007 David Keifer dkeifer@comcast.net
Ezra.Temko@sierraclub.org Chad Tolman 478-3516
Chapter Appointed Officers chadtolman@comcast.net
Chair: Jay Cooperson CoopersonArc@aol.com
Southern Delaware Group (SDG)
Vice Chair: Lorri Fencer LorriFencer@comcast.net
Appointed Officers
Secretary: Matt Urban 661-2050 Chair: Rich Anthony 645-1732
murban@mobiusnm.com enviro@comcast.net
Treasurer: Dionne Infante 325-0110 Vice Chair: Sallie Callanen 539-0635
Conservation: Tim O’Connor 697-7466 prnmed@mchsi.com
Tim1158@aol.com Conservation: Harry Haon 656-4582
Outings: Jennifer Egan 453-0827 harryhaon@aol.com
jennifermegan28@msn.com Secretary: Carrie Bennett 732-3358
Membership: Ron Zink 735-8996
ron_z_19904@yahoo.com Additional Southern Delaware Group (SDG)
Litigation: Carl Solberg 492-1225 Executive Committee Members
carlsolberg@mail.com John Fenton jipfenton@yahoo.com
The Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club publishes the
Delaware Sierra News quarterly. This publication is
Visit us on the Web! written and produced entirely by volunteers. Ideas

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expressed in the Delaware Sierra News are those of the
columnists and may not necessarily reflect the posi-
www.delaware.sierraclub.org tion of the Sierra Club. Limited time constraints of an
all-volunteer staff do not always allow for full data cor-
Web Editor: Mike Casale 239-2225 roboration. Send materials for submission to the Sierra
mike.casale@verizon.net Club, 100 W 10th St, Ste. 1107, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Winter Issue Deadline: December 28.
Editor: Jane Buck Production: Susan Oldenburg

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