Coal plant proposal sparks debate

SURRY, Va - Coal could be on its way to Surry County in the form of the Cypress Creek Power Plant. Those who support the idea and those who do not made their way to the county administration building Monday night.

Kayti Wingfield of Wise Energy of Virginia told a crowd, “We are blowing up mountains, contaminating streams, and polluting our air. We can do better."

An hour before a planning commission meeting, people showed up to hear and speak about Old Dominion Electric Cooperative's plan to build Virginia's largest coal fired power plant in Dendron. However, the possibility of a coal plant in the small Surry town raises a large debate about environmental and economic concerns.

"The town and the county both need the revenue. It will help improve the schools... Hopefully it will reduce the real estate taxes on our personal property," Thomas Byrd told WAVY.com.

Byrd, who lives in Dendron, passed out stickers supporting the plant. Many wearing them sat outside in the lobby. Supporters are encouraged by the potential for new jobs.

If ODEC moves to Dendron, about 200 jobs could also move into the area. Critics worry the positions would go to ODEC employees from other areas. County Administrator Tyrone Franklin told WAVY.com jobs would carry an annual salary of about $75,000.

Surry resident Barbour Seward is excited about the idea, "I think it's a way of presenting jobs for the county, and hopefully keep young men and women in the county.”

On the same aisle, Myrtle Jones of Dendron disagreed. “ A coal plant is O.K., but not in my backyard."

Inside the packed hearing room, ODEC representatives presented plans. They offered charts on an increasing demand for power, and a scenario for not having enough supply.

"You're subject to higher pricing in the future and that leads to higher energy costs to your consumers," Attorney Steve Blaine explained. Blaine added that ODEC is a good neighbor and would hope to help Dendron thrive.

After the presentations, members of the public said what was on their minds. Commissioners heard what people shared with WAVY.com.

Resident Kathryn Oliver said, "I don't believe we'll get jobs. And the little amount of revenue can never outweigh the pollution that will be here."

Franklin said if county leaders approve the plan, ODEC would bring tens of millions of dollars into the community every year.

The planning commission is expected to make recommendations (on ODEC's requested comprehensive plan and zoning changes) to the Board of Supervisors in December.
ODEC still has to receive dozens of state and federal permits before it could build Cypress Creek. Current plans are to have a coal plant operating in 2016.