20061011Comments.pdf

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Thompson River Lumber Company of Montana, Inc.
Roger L. Claridge, President
155 7th Avenue West North
O. Box 7338
Kalispell, MT 59904-0338
Mail: lhcroger~centurvte1.net
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT
PETITION OF A VISTA CORPORATION
AND THOMPSON RIVER CO-GEN, LLC
FOR APPROVAL OF A POWER
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
COMMENTS OF THOMPSON RIVER
LUMBER COMPANY OF MONT ANA
INC.
Case No.: A VU-05-
Thompson River Lumber Company of Montana, Inc. ("TRL"), through its President
Roger L. Claridge, hereby submits these comments with respect to the Joint Petition filed in
this proceeding on August 31 , 2006, by A vista Corporation ("A vista ) and Thompson River
Co-Gen, LLC ("TRC"
As explained below, TRL owns the land on which TRC's co-generation plant is
located, and TRL and TRC are in the process of addressing issues with respect to their
contractual relationships, but the parties have not completed their efforts in this regard.
Therefore, because of the October 6; 2006, deadline for submitting comments on the Joint
Petition, TRL felt it necessary to submit these comments to protect its interests. These
comments are submitted pursuant to the "Notice of Contract Filing" issued by the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission ("Commission ) dated September 7, 2006.
Comments of Thompson River
Lumber Company of Montana, Inc.
Page 1
The Joint Petition relates to a co-generation plant owned by TRC near Thompson
Falls, Montana. TRL is the owner of the land on which the plant is located. TRL owns and
operates an adjacent lumber mill- also on the same area orland owned by TRL - and TRL
leases the portion of the land on which the plant is located to TRC pursuant to a Lease
Agreement dated October 3, 2002, between TRL and TRC ("Lease Agreement"
Contemporaneous with entering into the Lease Agreement, TRL and TRC entered
into a Power and Steam Supply Agreement, also dated October 3 , 2002 ("PSSA") whereby
TRC is to provide the lumber mill with electricity and steam as requested by TRL (subject to
the terms of the PSSA). Therefore, TRL has been and will continue to be a purchaser of
TRC's generation in addition to A vista. (The maximum amount of electricity TRC is
obligated to deliver is two megawatt hours during any hour or 15 million kilowatt hours
during any year.)
Therefore the sentence in the Notice of Contract Filing that states: "Avista will be the
sole purchaser of TRC' s generation" in incorrect. The proposed A vista- TRC Power
Purchase Agreement ("PPA") recognizes TRL as a purchaser ofTRC's generation in the
definition of "Net Available Output" (Section 1.14), which defines that term as "all electric
energy generated by the Facility, net of Facility Service Power net of power delivered to
Thompson River Lumber Company. an adjacent separately owned business, net of
transformation losses." (emphasis added)
The PP A only has one other reference to TRL, in Section 23., which states:
(EJxecution of the Agreement shall not be deemed to waive any party's right to object to the
issuance of any water right or permit to or on account of Project Developer or Thompson
River Lumber Company.
Comments of Thompson River
Lumber Company of Montana, Inc.
Page 2
Because the PP A only contains two brief references to TRL, TRL is submitting these
comments so that the Commission understands the relationship between TRL and TRC. At
the time the Lease Agreement and the PSSA were signed, TRC had a power purchase
agreement with Northwestern Energy, which was referenced in both the Lease Agreement
and the PSSA. The NorthWestern Energy power purchase agreement has since been
terminated, and various other developments have occurred since then, and these
developments have raised various issues between TRL and TRC.
TRL and TRC are currently in the process of addressing these issues, including
working on an amendment to the Lease Agreement. Based on recent discussions between
TRL and TRC, TRL believes it will be able to satisfactorily address such issues with TRC.
However, because TRL is still in the process of addressing these issues, until they are
completed, TRL felt it necessary to protect its interests and submit these comments. The
Joint Petition does not explain or recognize TRL's interests in relation to TRC or the PP A
(except for the two references to TRL in the PPA noted above). TRL felt the Commission
should be aware of the fact that TRL owns the land the co-generation plant is located on, and
that TRL is a purchaser of the plant's generation (and steam).
An example of the relevance of this to the PPA is that the PPA has a long section on
Avista s step-in rights (Section 7.4). These rights allow Avista to "step in" and operate the
co-generation plant under certain circumstances, but this section does not address the fact
that TRL owns the land the plant is on, so Avista would be coming on TRL's land if it
exercised these rights. Also, this section does not address the obligations of the plant to
supply electricity and steam to TRL pursuant to the PSSA, or the obligation to make lease
payments to TRL under the Lease Agreement.
Comments of Thompson River
Lumber Company of Montana, Inc.
Page 3
In conclusion, while TRL hopes to satisfactorily address its various issues with TRC
given the deadline for submitting comments in this proceeding, TRL is submitting these
comments to protect its interests.
DATED this day of October, 2006.
THOMPSON RIVER LUMBER COMPANY
OF MONTANA, INC.
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Comments of Thompson River
Lumber Company of Montana, Inc,
Page 4
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this lo~day of October, 2006, the Comments of Thompson
River Lumber Company of Montana, Inc. was sent to the following parties as shown:
Jean Jewell ( ) U.S, Mail, Postage Prepaid
Commission Secretary ( ) Hand Delivered
Idaho Public Utilities Commission ( ) Overnight Mail
472 West Washington ( ) Facsimile
Boise, ID 83702 (X) Electronic Mail (via the comments page sent to
E-mail: jjewell&!,uc,state.id.the Idaho PUC webmaster)
Scott Woodbury ( ) U.S, Mail, Postage Prepaid
Idaho Public Utilities Commission ( ) Hand Delivered
472 West Washington ( ) Overnight Mail
Boise, ID 83702 ( ) Facsimile
E-mail: swoodbury~puc.state.id,(X) Electronic Mail (via the comments page sent to
the Idaho PUC webmaster)
Peter J, Richardson ( ) U.S, Mail, Postage Prepaid
Richardson & O'Leary PLLC ( ) Hand Delivered
515 N, 27th Street ( ) Ovemight Mail
Boise, ID 83702 ( ) Facsimile
Mail: peter~chardsonandoleary.com (X) Electronic Mail
Mike Uda ( ) U.S, Mail, Postage Prepaid
Doney Crowley Blomquist Payne & Uda
( )
Hand Delivered
Suite 200 ( ) Overnight Mail
Diamond Block ( ) Facsimile
Helena, MT 59601 (X) Electronic Mail
E-mail: muda~doneylaw.com
David J. Meyer ( ) U.S. Mail, Postage Prepaid
Vice President, Chief Counsel for Regulatory ( ) Hand Delivered
And Governmental Affairs ( ) Overnight Mail
Avista Corporation ( ) Facsimile
O. Box 3727 (X) Electronic Mail
1411 E. Mission Avenue
Spokane, W A 99220-3727
Mail: dmeyeriW.avistacorp,com
R. Blair Strong ( ) U.S. Mail, Postage Prepaid
Paine, Hamblen, Coffm, Brooke ( ) Hand Delivered
& Miller LLP ( ) Overnight Mail
717 W, Sprague Avenue, Suite 1200 ( ) Facsimile
Spokane, WA 99201-3505 (X) Electronic Mail
E-mail: r.blair,strong&!,ainehamblen,com
Comments of Thompson River
Lumber Company of Montana, Inc,
Page 5
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Tonya Clark
Wednesday, October 11 , 2006 7:41 AM
Jean Jewell; Gene Fadness
FW: Cogeneration Plant in Thompson Falls
-----Original Message-----
From: yswolf~montana. com (mailto: yswolf~montana. comJ
Sent: Thursday, October OS, 2006 1:39 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Subj ect: Cogeneration Plant in Thompson Falls
To: tclark~puc.state.id.
Comments Re: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utili ties
Case #: AVU-E-05-07
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public UtilitiesP. O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
To the Idaho PUC:
Please oppose the purchase agreement between Avista Utilities and ThompsonRi ver Cogen.
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will adversely affect the
environment and public health in Thompson Falls. The plant will burncoal which will add to local mercury contamination - which has already
caused fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local Noxon
Reservoir. In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate
pollution - associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and
increased rates of death - will likely increase by 350 percent in thearea.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been
packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of
economic development and good jobs for the community have not been
fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the operations of the
plant went to trained operators brought in from out of state.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad Actorfacility. It failed its first and only compliance source tests
for S02 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant
loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits
it was required to have to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the facility, or its water
discharge permit. TRC' s air quality permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has little faith in the upper management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been indicted for federal
tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owed
to the county.Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. Avista Utili ties should not be
sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state s border.
Sincerely,
Jeff Smith
O. Box 7192
Missoula, MT 59807
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Page 1 of 2
Jean Jewell
From: Tonya Clark
Sent: Wednesday, October 11 , 2006 7:37 AM
To: Jean JewellCc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: Comments Re: Case #: AVU-05-, Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities
-----
Original Message-----
From: N. S. Weaver (mailto:chip(Q)shubes.netJ
Sent: Friday, October 06 20065:10 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Comments Re: Case #: AVU-E-05-, Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities
Comments Re: Thompson River Cogen and A vista Utilities
Case #: A VU-05-
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to suggest you proceed with great caution and care in considering the approval of the
purchase agreement between Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen. Please take into account the
following, which highlights some of the concerns shared by many of the local citizens.
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and significant negative impacts on the
community of Thompson Falls. The plant will bum predominantly coal in an area prone to valley
inversions. Among other things, this will add to local mercury contamination - which has already
caused fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local Noxon Reservoir. In addition, modeling
indicates that ambient particulate pollution - associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and
increased rates of death - wi1llikely increase by 350% in the area.
According to the Thompson Falls newspaper, TRC touted that the local air quality would improve, once
their plant becomes operational; it would replace the lumber mill's dated boilers. Based on infonnation
provided in the many versions of their air quality permit, the air quality will actually be much worse
even ifTRC complies with the conditions of their air quality permit. And the reality is worse yet, since
TRC has repeatedly violated the terms of their permits!
2) TRC was originally introduced to the community as a boon for economic development and
significant new jobs for the local workforce. This was misleading, to say the least - most of the
ultimately few jobs associated with the operations of the plant went to trained operators brought in from
out of state.
While the existing jobs at the small local lumber mill are very important, this coal plant does not seem to
be key in sustaining them. The concept of stabilizing the mill's energy costs is a good one, as is the
10/11/2006
Page 2 of2
concept of providing more jobs for locals. While these seemed to be original objectives of this project
it turns out that TRC does not effectively target these objectives after all!
Hearings and public meetings about TRC have been filled with concerned citizens expressing their
frustration with the process, and with the proposed pollution that is the remaining significant impact to
the area. The facility seems to present far more problems than solutions.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad Actor facility. It has been issued
nearly $2 million in fIDes for violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant loan
issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was discovered that TRC had not in fact
secured all the necessary permits it was required to have to receive the loan. It appears that issues still
remain unresolved with respect to the plant's appropriate water access and waste discharge. Also, TRC's
air quality pennit is being appealed.
In the newspapers, we can read that TRC claims to be committed to operating in full compliance. We
can also read about the significant violations and fIDes. Does TRC understand what is actually required
to operate legally?
TRC continues to establish for itself a poor track record in this community. Promises to the community
have simply not been kept. TRC continues to appeal its property taxes. It is to the point where is is not
surprising to read in the paper that Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been charged with failing
to file federal income tax returns for five years.
4) Idaho s Governor Kempthorne has passed a two-year moratorium on the building or pennitting of
any coal-fired power plants in the state ofIdaho. Avista Utilities should not be sidestepping this
moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state
border.
5) Finally, why should Idaho rate payers be paying a premium for the same power that would have been
sold to Montana rate payers for less (under TRC's NorthWestern Energy contract)? "Higher rates
when necessary, should be facilitating something truly beneficial - such as the development of
renewable, clean energy technology - not rewarding what looks to be a poorly planned/executed coal
plant.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC's role in reviewing purchase agreements in Idaho and thank you for your
serious consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Noel Weaver
PO Box 789
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
10/11/2006
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Jean Jewell
From: Tonya Clark
Sent: Wednesday, October 11 , 2006 7:36 AM
To: Jean Jewell
Cc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: one day late
-----
Original Message-----
From: Lisa Hardiman (mailto:lisa-hardiman(9)bresnan.net)
Sent: Saturday, October 07 2006 11:18 AM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: one day late
Please accept this comment as it is one day late
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities
O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase agreement between
Avista Utili ties and Thompson River Cogen. There are many reasons
why this agreement should not be approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts to the community
of Thompson Falls. The plant will burn predominantly coal which
will add to local mercury contamination - which has already caused
fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local Noxon Reservoir.
In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate pollution -
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased
rates of death - will likely increase by 350% in the area.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been
packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of
economic development and good jobs for the community have not been
fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the operations of the
plant went to trained operators brought in from out of state.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad
Actor facility. It failed its first and only compliance source tests
for S02 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant
loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits
it was required to have to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the facility, or its water
discharge permit. TRC's air quality permit is also being appealed.
10/11/2006
4) The community has little faith in the upper management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been indicted for federal
tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owedto the county. Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. Avista Utili ties should not be
sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC' s role in reviewing purchase agreements
in Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration of these
comments.
Sincerely,
Lisa Lotte Hardiman
3726 4th Ave. North
Great Falls, MT 59401
10/11/2006
Page 2 of 2
Jean Jewell
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
jean polequaptewa Ueanpolequaptewa~yahoo.com)
Friday, October 06 , 2006 6:58 AM
T onya Clark
Comment
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities
o. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
To the Idaho PUC:
We are writing to ask you to oppose the purchase
agreement between
Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen. There aremany reasons
why this agreement should not be approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have
serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts to
the community
of Thompson Falls. The
coal which
will add to local mercury contamination - which has
already caused
fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local
Noxon Reservoir.
In addition, modeling indicates that ambientparticulate pollution -
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease andincreased
rates of death - will likely increase by 350% in thearea.
plant will burn predominantly
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local
communi ty. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen
has been
packed withfrustration
process andpromises of
economic development and good jobs for the community
have not been
fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the
operations of the
plant went to trained operators brought in from out ofstate.
unhappy neighbors expressing their
wi th the
the pollution from the facility. The
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated
itself as a Bad
Actor facility. It failed its first and only
compliance source tests
for S02 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1
million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing toa significant
loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI)
when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the
necessary permits
it was required to have to receive the loan.Ri ver Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the
facility, or its water
discharge permit. TRC's air quality permit is
being appealed.
Thompson
also
4) The community has little faith in the upper
management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been
indicted for federal
tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local
property taxes owedto the county. Promises to the community have simplynot been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthornepassed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any
coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. Avista Utilities should
not be
sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing coal-fired
power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the stateborder.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC' s role in reviewing
purchase agreements
in Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration
of these
comments.
Sincerely,
Jean & Honani Polequaptewa
P . 0 . Box 447
Thompson Falls, Mt 59873
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Page 1 of 1
Jean Jewell
From: fred fagan (tfI3686~blackfoot.net)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 12:22 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Subject: TRC
It is my opinion that TRC is a big enviormental mistake. The valley where TRC is located has winter time
inversions that will concentrate all the emmissions in this area and also in the Idaho panhandle, This would be the
cost of a temporary cheaper electrical supply, The methyl mercury in the water/river system is already above the
safe zone, and is going to get worse naturally due to the massive output from the wildlands fires, Why encouragea business to add to this problem? Thank you for your time,Sincerely, Fred Fagan 5433 Mt hwy200 Thompson Falls, Mt 406-827 -3686
tfI3686 (Qtb I a ckfoot. net
10/1112006
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dewey Ross Duffel (duffel~blackfoot.net)
Friday, October 06, 2006 10:29 AM
Tonya Clark
Comments He: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities
To: Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Re: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utili ties
Case #: AVU-E-05-07
I am writing to ask you to carefully consider for rejection the proposal to purchase power
from Avista Utilities which originate at Thompson River Cogen.
It is not in the best ecological or health interests of a small and poorly vented valleyto have a coal fired plant.
I believe that Idaho PUD has serious concerns about buying electricity from coal firedplants.
The equipment in this plant is old and the startup procedures and equipment operation are
still not finished to the satisfaction
of Montana state regulators.
The management I s
Green , that is
sourced wood and
applied for coal
stated that does
history includes leading the local public to believe the plant would be
that it would burn local
after garnering limited public support for a wood fired boiler it instead
burning permits and has
not intend to burn any wood for its heat source.
Thanking you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely yours;
Dewey Duffel
1480 Blue Slide Rd.
Thompson Falls, MT 59873-9410
My residence is located about 14 miles N.W. of Thompson River Cogen.
duffel~blackfoot. net
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Jean Jewell
From: Tonya Clark
Sent: Wednesday, October 11 2006 7:28 AMTo: Jean JewellCc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: Stop the purchase agreement
-----
Original Message-----
From: Carl & Anna Herman (mailto:anamt(Q)earthlink.net)
Sent: Thursday, October OS 2006 1:26 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Stop the purchase agreement
The Thompson River is beautiful I don t want Avista Utilities to purchase energy from the Thompson River. It
will cause to much polution . I'm tired of money being more important than the enviroment.
A Tax payer inSanders County ,
Marianne Herrmann
10/1112006
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Page 1 of2
Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
T onya Clark
Wednesday, October 11 , 2006 7:28 AM
Jean JewellCc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities
-----
Original Message-----
From: Becky Flint (mailto:stormannorman59(Qjrockisland.comJ
Sent: Friday, October 06 2006 1:01 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Cc: dmeyer(Qjavistacorp.com
Subject: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
I am writing to you to oppose the purchase agreement between Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen.
I am a home owner in Thompson Falls, It has been my experience and observation that the folks down at the
Cogen Plant fail to recognize the value of honesty and integrity. They sold us a bill of goods to get their foot in the
door and reneged on everything as well as misleading us about the hazards.
I understand that Avista owns the water rights. It appears that if Cogen manages to manipulate ONRC for water
rights than it will be consuming water that would other wise be used by Avista who produces power via a cleaner
method, This is a conflict of interest and practical sense,
The Cogen plant is built on top of an aquifer that supplies many families including ours with water, Currently there
is no requirement for Cogen to line there waste ponds. Where is the logic in this? Please do not support
this practice by purchasing their product.
Children inhale and exhale 2 t01 more than an adult. Our children in this community will be exposed to twice as
much waste. The statistics are staggering as to the health impact. According to Eric Merchants at OEQ the fine
Cogen received was extreme because their violation was very extreme and blatant. Eric said" Fines like Theirs
(Cogen) are rare and are not given out because they are doing things right. There is a reason they got their
fine," Is this the kind of player you want on your team? Please help us protect our children as your Governor is
trying to do for the people in Idaho by passing a moratorium on coal burning power plants,
It has been my experience that most people living in Thompson Falls have their plates full with day to day living.
Only a small percentage have the time let alone the resources and comprehension to be a voice when and where
it counts, Please understand that for every letter you receive there are many many more who are not afforded the
luxury to be a voice.
I appreciate your position in reviewing purchase agreements and thank you for your time and consideration of
these comments.
Sincerly,
Norman Flint
10/1112006
Reject power purchase agreement with Thompson River Co-gen
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From: Tonya Clark
Sent: Wednesday, October 11 , 2006 7:27 AMTo: Jean JewellCc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: Reject power purchase agreement with Thompson River Co-gen
-----Original Message-----
From: Anne Hedges (mailto:ahedges(Qjmeic.org)
Sent: Friday, October 06 2006 12:41 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Cc: peter(Qjrichardsonandoleary.com; muda(Qjdoneylaw.com; dmeyer(Qjavistacorp.com
Subject: Reject power purchase agreement with Thompson River Co-gen
October 6, 2006
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O, Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
The Montana Environmental Infonnation Center is a nonprofit member supported organization dedicated to protecting and restoring
Montana s natural environment. By connecting itself to Thompson River Co-gen (TRC), Avista will find itselffaced with uncertainty in its
baseload power supply, MEIC is urging you to oppose the purchase agreement.
TRC has a track record of violating the law, bait-and-switch tactics with regulators, and subsequent shut downs because of its failure to
comply with regulatory requirements in an honest and straightforward manner.
TRC failed its first and only compliance source tests for S02 and NOx, It has received a fIDe of nearly $1 million for environmental
violations, In Montana, this was one of the largest fines in the state s history, TRC lost the backing to a significant loan issued by the
Montana Board ofInvestment (BOI) because it had not complied with the law, In addition, TRC still has not secured its water right or its
water discharge pennit. In addition, there is uncertainty over the air quality pennit that the company has recently received, The BACT
analysis was flawed and the pennit is being appealed,
TRC is a bad actor, Difficulties seem to follow this company because oftheir poor attitude toward complying with the law, This will
become nothing but an albatross around the neck of A VISTA and ratepayers in the area,
We urge you to take your role seriously and deny the purchase agreement. Protect Idaho consumers and the public health of those living
downwind of this bad actor,
Sincerely,
Anne Hedges
Program Director
Montana Environmental Infonnation Center
O, Box 1184
Helena, MT 59624
[phone]
fax: [phone]
ahedges~meic,org
http://www,meic,org
10/11/2006
Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: A VU-05-
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Page 1 of2
From: Tonya Clark
Sent: Wednesday, October 20067:25 To: Jean JewellCc: Gene Fadness
Subject: FW: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: AVU-05-
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Swearingen (mailto:parkside(Qjbigsky.net)
Sent: Thursday, October OS 2006 3:40 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: AVU-Os-
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase agreement between Avista Utilities and Thompson River
Cogen. There are many reasons why this agreement should not be approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious environmental and public health
impacts to the community of Thompson Falls. The plant will burn predominantly coal which will add
to local mercury contamination - which has already caused fish consumption warnings to be issued for
the local Noxon Reservoir. In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate pollution - associated
with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased rates of death - will likely increase by 350% in the
area.
2) The local community is overwhelmingly opposed to the project. Every hearing and public meeting
on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with
the process and the pollution from the facility. This plant was originally supposed to bum only biofuels-
thinned trees from the local forests; the company used a bait-and-switch scheme to get permitted to
bum coal. The local population has always opposed a coal-fired facility.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itselfto be Bad Actor. It failed its first and
only compliance source tests for SO2 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant loan issued by the Montana Board of
Investment (BOI) when it was discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits it
was required to have to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen still has not secured its water right for
the facility or its water discharge permit. TRC's air quality permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has no faith in the upper management ofTRc. Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has
recently been indicted for federal tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owed
10/11/2006
Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: A VU-05-Page 2 of2
to the county. Promises to the community have not been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year moratorium on the building or
permitting of any coal-fired power plants in the state ofIdaho. Avista Utilities should not be
sidestepping this moratorium on coal generation by purchasing coal-fired power for use in Idaho that
is generatedjust beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC's role in reviewing purchase agreements in Idaho and thank you for your
serious consideration of these comments. Your agency should keep in mind that many thousands of
Montanans have been opposing this irresponsible facility for several years running.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Swearingen
502 South 6th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
10/11/2006
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Jean Jewell
From: Cheryl Reichert (reichert~sofast.net)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 2:15 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Cc: muda~doneylaw.com; peter~richardsonandoleary.com
Subject: Thompson River Co-Gen
As a member of Women s Voices for the Earth, the Montana Environmental Information Center, and as
one ofthe founders of our local Citizens for Clean Energy, I respectfully request that the Idaho Public
Utility Commission avoid purchasing power from the Thompson Falls Co-Gen.
This power plant was initially "sold" to the Thompson Falls community with the understanding that it
would be fueled by biomass, not coal. The operators of the plant have been repeatedly fined by the
Montana Department of Environmental Quality for failure to meet the conditions of its air quality
permit, and as a result the plant has been shuttered for much of its short life. There are compelling
environmental reasons not to support this dirty coal plant with its third-world refurbished boiler. In
addition, given the plant's unpredictable and unreliable operating history, it is quite likely that this plant
will fail to provide a reliable source of electricity in the future.
The citizens of Montana congratulate Idaho on its forward looking citizenry and civic leaders. I have
read newspaper accounts of your two year moratorium on coal plants for Idaho. We hope that Montana
will follow in your footsteps, and your decision not to purchase this coal power will help take us down
that path.
As I look out my window, I see the six 1.5 MW GE wind turbines that are already sending their power
to Idaho s citizens. Thank you for helping to show us the way to a sustainable renewable energy future...
Sincerely yours
Cheryl Reichert
Cheryl Reichert. M.D. . Ph.
Pathology and Biological Chemistry
51 Prospect Drive
Great Falls, MY 59405
406-727-1964
10/1112006
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Jean Jewell
From: Christopher Hormel (jchormel~mindspring,com)
Sent: Thursday, October OS, 2006 6:45 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Subject: Thompson River Cog en and Avista Utilities; Case #: AVU-05-
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
To the Idaho PUC:
As an Idaho citizen, I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase
agreement between Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen for the
following reasons:
I) This year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state ofIdaho. Idaho is saying no to coal-fired power.
A vista Utilities should not be allowed to sidestep this moratorium by
purchasing coal-fired power for use in Idaho that is generated just
beyond the state s border.
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts. Although the
plant is located in Montana, it is relatively near the border and
will likely affect communities in Idaho as welL The plant will
bum predominantly coal which will add to regional mercury
contamination. In addition, modeling indicates that ambient
particulate pollution - associated with respiratory disease, heart
disease and increased rates of death - will likely increase by 350%
in the area.
3) We understand that this facility is not being welcomed by the
local community. If it was in my backyard, I wouldn t want it either.
The promises of economic development and good jobs for the community
have not been fulfilled. Thompson River Cogen has already been
issued hundreds of thousands of dollars in environmental fines by the
Montana DEQ. It had not secured all ofthe environmental permits
that it needs. In short, this facility is a bad actor.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC's role in reviewing purchase agreements
in Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration of these
comments.
Sincerely,
Jay Hormel
(),
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10/11/2006
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
D, and R. Rockafellow (docroc(IDavicom.net)
Sunday, October 08, 2006 8:49 PM
Tonya Clark
Thompson Falls,..
Please stop the purchase agreement which would allow the highly
polluting Thompson River Cogen coal plant to operate. Sorry I missed
the deadline, but hope you will count my comments.
Rachel Rockafellow
1202 S. Spruce Ori
Bozeman, MT 59715
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Jean Jewell
From: Oanielle Golie (golied~co.hill.mt.us)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 3:25 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Cc: peter~richardsonandoleary.com; muda~doneylaw.com; dmeyer~avistacorp.com
Subject: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: AVU-05-
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
o. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase agreement between
Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen. There are many reasons why
this agreement should not be approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts to the community of
Thompson Falls. The plant will burn predominantly coal which will add to
local mercury contamination - which has already caused fish consumption
warnings to be issued for the local Noxon Reservoir.
In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate pollution-
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased rates of
death - will likely increase by 3500/0 in the area.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been
packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of economic
development and good jobs for the community have not been fulfilled - as
most of the jobs associated with the operations of the plant went to
trained operators brought in from out of state.
10/11/2006
Page 2 of 2
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad
Actor facility. It failed its first and only compliance source tests for S02
and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for violating
environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant loan issued by
the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was discovered that the
Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits it was required to have
to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen still has not secured its water
right for the facility, or its water discharge permit. TRC's air quality
permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has little faith in the upper management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been indicted for federal tax
fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owed to the
county. Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power plants
in the state of Idaho. Avista Utilities should not be sidestepping this
moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use in-l-daho that is
generated just beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho put's role in reviewing purchase agreements in
Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Danielle Golie
Danielle Golie RN, CLC
Hill County Health Dept.
302 4th Ave
Havre, Mt. 59501
406-265-5481 ext 266
10/11/2006
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Jean Jewell
From: Doreen Stokes (herbs~blackfootnet)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 10:15 AM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Thompson River CoGen
To The Idaho PUC
I am writing to convince you to oppose the purchase agreement between Avista Utilities and Thompson River
Cogen,
Firstly, this Cogen plant was built on false pretenses. The local people were not made aware of the fact that they
originally intented to use coal instead of wood biomass to create the energy. After numerous local meetings with
multitudes of people opposing the plant, it was opened anyway.
This plant will polute and in this day and age we all know for a fact that mercury contamination is very bad for the
health of both the environment and every living thing in it including man. How can you justify purchasing coal-fired
power from Montana when earlier this year Idaho s governor Kempthorne passed a two year moratorium on the
building or permitting of any coal fired power plants in the state of Idaho?
Secondly, this facility is not welcomed by this community, Thompson River Cogen has failed its forst and only
compliance tests for S02 and NOx and has been issued nearly 1 million in fines for violating environmental laws,
They lost the backing of a signaficant loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment when it was discovered
that they did not have all the necessary permits in order. Thisfacility still has not secured its water right or its
water discharge permitThe air quility permit is also being appealed,
Thirdly, the upper management of TRC Barry Bates, a partner has recently been indicted for federal tax fraud,
TRC has also been unwilling to pay local property taxes owed to Sanders County.
Now, I ask you, is this the kind of company you want to do business with, This is an accident waiting to happen
and just plain bad business,
Thank you for your careful and serious consideration of these facts.
Sincerely,
Doreen Stokes
39 Eagle Valley Lane
Plains, Mt 59859
10/1112006
/~IIO.
Jean Jewell
t/1u A-v'/'(0 Ct~,
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
hterrill~montana.com
Thursday, October 05, 20064:20 PM
Tonya Clark
purchase agreement
To: tclark~puc. state. id. us
Comments Re: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utili ties
Case #: AVU-E-05-07
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities
P. O. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase agreement betweenAvista Utili ties and Thompson River Cogen. There are many reasons
why this agreement should not be approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts to the community
of Thompson Falls. The plant will burn predominantly coal which
will add to local mercury contamination - which has already caused
fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local Noxon Reservoir.
In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate poll~tion -
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased
rates of death - will likely increase by 350% in the area.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been
packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of
economic development and good jobs for the community have not been
fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the operations of the
plant went to trained operators brought in from out of state.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad
Actor facility. It failed its first and only compliance source tests
for S02 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant
loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits
it was required to have to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the facility, or its water
discharge permit. TRC's air quality permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has little faith in the upper management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been indicted for federal
tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owedto the county. Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year , Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. Avista Utilities should not be
sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC' s role in reviewing purchase agreements
in Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration of these
comments.
Sincerely,
Heather Terrill
Missoula, MT
JJL~ ~ io/t d61./10 ,tv,/ f;
Page 1 of
Jean Jewell
From: ferguson~yahoo,com
Sent: Thursday, October 05 2006 2:39 PM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Thompson River Cogen
To Whom It May Concern:
I am opposed to an agreement by Avista Utilities to purchase power from Thompson River Cogen. The
local and global environmental costs of power produced by this plant are too high. I support the
development and use of alternative sources of enegy in Montana and in Idaho.
Jenny Ferguson
Missoula, Montana
All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.
10/11/2006
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Page 1 of
Jean Jewell
From: Jessica Ruehrwein (jessica.ruehrwein~sierraclub.org)
Sent: Thursday, October OS , 2006 1 :34 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Cc: JRuehrwein~thesca.org
Subject: Comments Re: Thompson River Cogen and Avista Utilities Case #: AVU-05-
Commission SecretaryIdaho Public Utili ties
o. Box 83720
Boise, 10 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
Attn: Idaho PUC:
We are writing as Idaho citizens asking you to oppose the purchase agreement
between Avista Utili ties and Thompson River Cog en. Our Governor took a needed step
in passing a two-year moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired
power plants in the state of Idaho. Purchasing coal-fired power from across thestates' border should not be permitted and does not support Idaho s current stance
on coal-fired power.
This plant could also affect both communities in Montana and Idaho and have serious
environmental and health impacts. Mercury contamination is a concern , as well as
air quality and pollution.
As previous residents of Trout Creek, Montana
--
which is located just outside of
Thompson Falls - we do not believe this facility would be welcomed. Thompson River
Cogen does not have a track record of caring for the land. Jobs and economic
development are not worth long term degradation to the community and the
environment. We must make decisions now for our families and our future.
We thank you for reviewing purchase agreements in Idaho and appreciate your
consideration in this matter that knows no state boundaries.
Sincerely,
Jessica and Joey Ruehrwein
Jessica Ruehrwein
910 Main Street, Suite 233
Boise, Idaho 83702
0: 208/384-1023
c: 208/866-6322
http://idaho.sierraclub.org/middlesnake
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
-- Anne Frank
Neighbors Protecting Idaho...yote NO on Proposition 2
10/11/2006
J~ IUJIi/Oli
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Jean Jewell
From: Kerrie Byrne (kerriebyrneCIDcenturytel.net)
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 8:06 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Subject: Avista - TR Cogan
Greetings
I am having heart surgery tomorrow, so I am not taking the time to write my own letter. However, I
agree with every word.
I oppose the purchase agreement between
A vista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen. There are many reasons why this agreement should not be
approved:
) The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and significant environmental and public
health impacts to the community of Thompson Falls. The plant will bum predominantly coal which
will add to local mercury contamination - which has already caused fish consumption warnings to be
issued for the local Noxon Reservoir. In addition, modeling indicates that ambient particulate pollution-
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased rates of death - will likely increase by
350% in the area.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every hearing and public meeting on the
Thompson Falls Cogen has been packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of economic development and good jobs for
the community have not been fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the operations of the plant
went to trained operators brought in from out of state.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad Actor facility. It failed its first
and only compliance source tests for SO2 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant loan issued by the Montana Board of
Investment (BOI) when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits it was required to have to receive
the loan. Thompson River Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the facility, or its water discharge permit. TRC's air quality
permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has little faith in the upper management ofTRc. Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has
recently been indicted for federal tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owed
to the county. Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year, Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year moratorium on the building or
permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. A vista Utilities should not be sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing
coal-fIred power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC's role in reviewing purchase agreements in Idaho and thank you for your
serious consideration of these comments.
10/11/2006
Page 2 of2
Sincerely,
Kerrie Byrne
PO Box 4471
Whitefish, MT 59937
10/11/2006
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Page 1 of 2
Jean Jewell
From: Neil Taylor (neiltaylor~bresnan,netl
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 8:50 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Subject: Purchase Agreement with Thompson River Project
To:
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities
O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Fax: [phone]
Commission
To the Idaho PUC:
I am writing to ask you to oppose the purchase agreement between
Avista Utilities and Thompson River Cogen. There are many reasons
why this agreement should not be approved:
The operation of Thompson River Cogen will have serious and
significant environmental and public health impacts to the community
of Thompson Falls. The plant will burn predominantly coal which
will add to local mercury contamination - which has already caused
fish consumption warnings to be issued for the local Noxon Reservoir.
In addition , modeling indicates that ambient particulate pollution -
associated with respiratory disease, heart disease and increased
rates of death - will likely increase by 350% in the area.
2) The facility is not being welcomed by the local community. Every
hearing and public meeting on the Thompson Falls Cogen has been
packed with unhappy neighbors expressing their frustration with the
process and the pollution from the facility. The promises of
economic development and good jobs for the community have not been
fulfilled - as most of the jobs associated with the operations of the
plant went to trained operators brought in from out of state.
3) Thompson River Cogen has repeatedly demonstrated itself as a Bad
Actor facility. It failed its first and only compliance source tests
for S02 and NOx - and has been issued nearly $1 million ,in fines for
violating environmental laws. TRC lost the backing to a significant
loan issued by the Montana Board of Investment (BOI) when it was
discovered that the Cogen had not secured all the necessary permits
it was required to have to receive the loan. Thompson River Cogen
still has not secured its water right for the facility, or its water
discharge permit. TRC's air quality permit is also being appealed.
4) The community has little faith in the upper management of TRC.
Barry Bates, a partner in TRC, has recently been indicted for federal
tax fraud. TRC has been unwilling to pay local property taxes owedto the county. Promises to the community have simply not been kept.
5) Earlier this year , Idaho s Governor Kempthorne passed a two-year
moratorium on the building or permitting of any coal-fired power
plants in the state of Idaho. Avista Utilities should not be
sidestepping this moratorium by purchasing coal-fired power for use
in Idaho that is generated just beyond the state s border.
We appreciate the Idaho PUC' s role in reviewing purchase agreements
10/11/2006
Page 2 of 2
in Idaho and thank you for your serious consideration of these
conunents.
Sincerely,
Neil J. Taylor
3417 4th Ave south
Great Falls, MT 59405
10/11/2006
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Page I of
Jean Jewell
From: Patrick Leonard and Toddy Perryman (patandtoddy3752~logonfrog.net)
Sent: Thursday, October OS, 2006 10:57 PMTo: Tonya Clark
Cc: peter~richardsonandoleary.com; muda~doneylaw.com
Subject: Avista Util. purch. agreement
Weare writing to comment on
A vista Utilities' agreement to purchase energy from Thompson River
Cogen in Thompson Falls, MT.
Weare opposed to this purchase agreement because it would allow the highly polluting Thompson
River Cogen coal plant to operate.
There are many other ways of generating electricity which are far cleaner for the environment. Coal
burning should be the last choice, as it puts large amounts of toxic materials into the air, particularly if
the plant is not outfitted with the latest (and also expensive) technology.
There has been a lot of talk about the need to 'sequester' carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
The very best technique for sequestering carbon is to not burn it in the first place. Leave coal
sequestered in the ground, just as it has been for millenia. This is the safest way. And the cleanest.
Sincerely,
Toddy Perryman and Patrick Leonard
10/11/2006
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Jean Jewell
From: Penny Beckman (pbeckman(fYblackfootnet)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 9:07 AM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Tfalls toxic enough for children
I am concerned for the health and safety of our young children Thompson Falls is toxic enough, without allowing
the Cogen coal plant to release more toxins to our community,
Hence, another reason I moved away from Colstrip!!!!
Penny Beckman
10/11/2006
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Page 1 of 1
Jean Jewell
From: Starshine (dr,starshine~bresnan,net)
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 10:09 AM
To: Tonya Clark
Subject: Thompson River Cogen Coal Plant
The Montana Constitution requires that our air and water remain pure enough to drink
Starshine
406-453-8989
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is accepting public comment on
Avista Utili ties agreement to purchase energy from Thompson River
Cogen in Thompson Falls, MT.We need your voices to help stop the
purchase agreement which would allow the highly polluting Thompson
River Cogen coal plant to operate.Please send your comments to the
PUC letting them know you do not want this purchase agreement to be
approved.
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be outraged by silence.
-Henri Frederic Amiel, Swiss Philosopher 1821-1881
10/11/2006
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Jean Jewell
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
wwranch~3rivers,net
Friday, October 06, 2006 10:57 AM
Tonya Clark
Thompson River Congen
To the IDAHO PUC:
I would ask that the PUC please reconsider purchasing energy from the
Thompson Falls community as it will contribute to local health
problems and of course, increase greenhouse gas emissions in
Montana and our planet.
We in Montana applaud your state s courage to enact a moratium
on coal plants and we d encourage your governor to talk with
Governor Schweitzer and ask him to focus on investing in
wind now, NOT chase coal companies across Montana, so Idaho
and the USA can benefit from Montana s abundance of wind.
Richard Liebert
EDEN RR
Great Falls, MT 59405