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White Stallion and Economic Development: At What Cost? As a community we are all in favor of economic development.
However, we want economic development that is not potentially detrimental
to the health and well-being (1) of our population, especially infants,
children, adolescents and young mothers, and (2) of the environment My primary concern is the potential influence of emissions from coal-fired plants on the development of children. They are, after all, the next generation and their health and well-being should not be compromised. Coal-fired power plants release sulfur dioxide, mercury and other particles, including lead, into the environment. Both mercury and lead have irreversible, bad effects for the health of children mentally and physically. Information on the negative consequences of mercury comes from experimental studies of animals and epidemiological surveys, and, in particular a detailed study of humans who ate fish from Minamata Bay, Japan. The “Minamata disaster” was brought to the world’s attention in the 1960s. Minamata was a small town located on the bay into which an estimated 27 tons of mercury compounds mixed with wastes from a factory were dumped over a number of years. The community was dependent upon fish from the bay and the consequences were devastating for the health of individuals across all ages (Minamata Disaster, http://www.american.edu/TED/MINAMATA.HTM). Mercury accumulates in the body over time! In humans, low levels of mercury associated with fish consumption by pregnant women are associated with negative effects on the developing nervous system of their children. In fact, the developing nervous system is very sensitive to methylmercury, an organic compound “…produced mainly by microscopic organisms in contaminated water and soil, which can build up in fish, shellfish, and animals that eat fish” (Spotlight on Mercury, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov). Cautions on consumption of fish are regularly issued by health agencies. The effects of mercury on the developing nervous system of children include poor performances on a variety of skills essential to early education – fine motor skills as in writing, verbal memory, attention, language and visual-spatial abilities as in drawing and reading (Toxicological Effects of Methylmercury, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, www.nap.edu/catalog/9899.html for a free executive summary of the report). Lead has similar consequences as those for mercury in young children. These include negative effects on IQ and mental development even at very low levels of blood lead. Elevated blood lead levels are also associated with negative effects on fine movement skills, visual integration and coordination in young children (Lead neurotoxicity in children, Brain, volume 123, pages 5-19, 2003). Elevated blood levels are also associated with compromised growth of children, specifically growth of the legs (Lead and growth status of schoolchildren living in the copper basin of south-western Poland, Annals of Human Biology, volume 33, pages 401-414, 2006). The impact of mercury and lead – and perhaps other pollutants on development of the nervous systems have implications for education. Fine motor skills as in writing, verbal memory, attention, language and visual-spatial abilities as in drawing and reading are essential to the learning process! The discussion has focused on health consequences of mercury and lead on young children. These heavy metals also have potential negative “health” consequences for the soil. Mercury and lead will definitely accumulate over time on farm and grazing land, and will progressively poison the soil – soil contamination. Anything grown and raised on this land will contain these toxins (mercury and lead). The only remediation for mercury and lead polluted land in the long term is soil removal and replacement, which for large farms and ranches is virtually impossible financially. In the short term, potential consequences for crops and cattle directly relate to a major component of the economy of the county. The population of Bay City and Matagorda County to carefully evaluate the White Stallion coal-fired power plant proposed on FM 2668 south of the city. The consequences of mercury and lead pollution for the local population and environment have NOT been clearly and adequately explained by the White Stallion group that is encouraging the building of the coal-fired power plant in our county. For a comprehensive discussion on consequences of coal-fired power plants in general, I suggest that the concerned reader access the Sierra Club fact sheet: Dirty Coal Power (http://www.sierraclub.org/cleanair/factsheets/power.asp). Robert M. Malina, PhD
White Stallion – Aesthetics, Smoke Stacks, Prevailing Winds and Birds The proposed site for the coal-fired power plant is south of Bay City, off FM 2668 just south of the Oxea (Celanese) plant and on the east bank of the Colorado River as it meanders to the Gulf. What is the potential impact of building a huge power plant at this site? Power stations need water. How will the construction modify the banks of the Colorado River? How will it impact recreational boating and fishing on the river? What is the risk of pollutants flowing into the river? From an aesthetic point of view, the coal-fired power plant will dominate the skyline of the county. Pictures and dimensions of the proposed site have apparently not been released to the general public. How large is the basic unit? How tall are the smoke stacks? The photo that accompanies this opinion piece may provide some perspective on size. The photo (February 15, 2009) shows the Fayetteville coal-fired power plant located between Columbus and La Grange east of southbound Highway 71; it was taken about 6 or 7 miles from the plant. The magnitude of the plant and its smoke stacks dominate the skyline. The rolling hills of the area periodically mask the plant from Highway 71. In contrast, Matagorda County is a coastal plane with no rolling hills. The plant will be dominantly visible on a permanent basis for many miles. One wonders what residents of Wadsworth or those who live along FM 2668 will think as they look at the monstrous plant on a daily basis! What will it do to the value of their homes? One also can wonder what visitors to the beaches and boating facilities in Matagorda will think as they view the plant while driving south on Highway 60! Will they keep coming back? The smoke stacks will likely extend some 600-700 feet into the air, although as noted I am not privy to the details of the proposed coal-fired plant. Of course, it is the smoke stacks that emit pollutants - sulfur dioxide, mercury and other particles into the environment on a regular basis. Whether visible as steam or not, pollutants will be emitted on a more or less continuous basis. The prevailing winds in the local area are off the Gulf and flow in from a south-southeasterly direction. This translates into the prevailing winds carrying the emissions directly to Markham, Bay City, Van Vleck and other communities in the area. The potential influence of the huge smokestacks and associated emissions on the local bird population and the birds which winter in the area also needs to be considered as well. Bird watching is a major tourist attraction in the region. Matagorda County was ranked first in the nation for the Christmas bird count with 233 different species (Matagorda Advocate, February 12, page 7F). With environmental habitat degradation, will the county still be able to attract those tourist dollars if the bird population declines? As discussions of the proposed coal-fired power plant south of Bay City continue among local officials, the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation and the White Stallion Energy Center, it is surprising that relatively little information is released to the general population of the county – those of us who live here, pay taxes and support local businesses. This leaves the impression that there is somewhat of a rush to get the requests for necessary permits in place as soon as possible, specifically before new rules on carbon emissions proposed by the current administration in Washington go into effect. By getting the necessary permits in advance, the proposed coal-fired power plant for the county will be “grandfathered” or perhaps “grandmothered” so that it will not have to abide by the anticipated stronger limitations on release of carbon dioxide into the environment. More specifically, it is expected that the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) will move to regulate carbon dioxide release which will impact coal-fired power plants. Specific focus will be on carbon dioxide as a pollutant which may endanger public health and welfare (www.nytimes.com, E.P.A. Expected to Regulate Carbon Dioxide, February 18, 2009). Of relevance to residents of Matagorda County, it would make sense for White Stallion and the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation to put the coal-fired power plant on hold until the new regulations are in place and the potential health consequences of the plant to the region can be objectively considered. While thinking through issues related to the proposed coal-fired power plant, memories related to the local nuclear power plant re-surfaced. I am a retired professor of biological anthropology and physical education (presently kinesiology or exercise science). When I was on the faculty of anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin, I was asked in the early 1970s by Houston Light and Power Company (HLPC) to assist with the excavation of skeletal remains of American Indians exposed during preliminary work at the Allens Creek Nuclear Generating Station north of Wallis. The proposed site was a bluff overlooking the flood plain of the Brazos River. While working at the site, I spent the nights here in Bay City at the home of my father- and mother-in-law and commuted to the site. Colleagues and I did the work and submitted our report (G.D. Hall, Allens Creek: A study in the Cultural Prehistory of the Lower Brazos River Valley, Texas, Research Report 61, Texas Archeological Survey, University of Texas at Austin). After the fact, we learned that the proposed nuclear plant would not be built on the site. Why? I would suspect it was the local population’s concern and the proximity of Wallis to Houston which was expanding rapidly to the west. In place, HLP selected a site for the nuclear plant in a more remote rural area – Matagorda County; and the rest is history. It appears that the same thing is happening with the White Stallion coal-fired power plant! Matagorda County can ill afford to further compromise the long term health of our environment and population for relatively short term limited economic gain. The electrical power generated on the banks of the Colorado River will in all likelihood not serve the needs of the local population let alone reduce the relatively high costs of our electrical utilities. Issues related to the White Stallion coal-fired power plant need to be discussed openly with the population of Matagorda County and not merely among country officials and the country economic development corporation. Residents too need to voice their concerns to local civic leaders and of course to their state and national representatives. Hopefully, we will be listened to! Robert M. Malina, PhD
White Stallion: Implications for Lung Health Relatively little concern has been publicly expressed about the potential consequences of the White Stallion coal-fired power plant for the health of the local population as well as that of the environment. Cursory examination of the website of the National Institutes of Health (www.pubmed.gov) indicates numerous reports in medical journals highlighting the positive association between air pollution and asthma, lung function and lung cancer. In particular, there are major risks for asthma, impaired lung function and lung cancer for populations living close to coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources of pollution. Our cars also add to the pollution load. The White Stallion coal-fired plant is characterized as “clean”. This is relative as the plant will still regularly emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Amounts emitted will be lower than traditional plants; however, they will be added to and combined with pollutants already emitted by Oxea (Celenese) and Lyondell in Wadsworth and the assorted pipeline facilities in Clemville among others. Ash, the residue of the coal burning process, is another problem – specifically storage and disposal. At the luncheon in Bay City several weeks ago, Mr. Randy Bird of the White Stallion Energy Center indicated that 2 million tons of ash would be produced annually by the plant! Sulfur dioxide and nitrous dioxide are major problems for individuals with asthma and lung disease and also for the elderly. Particulate matter refers to very small particles or droplets that are formed when emitted gases react in the air. These extremely small particles can enter the nose or throat during normal breathing and in turn the lungs where they can exacerbate lung problems and alter lung function. What does this mean for residents of Matagorda County? According to statistics of the Texas Department of State Health Services (www.dshs.state.tx.us), the lung cancer mortality rate in Matagorda County was 28% to 60% higher than state averages between 2000 and 2004 (the last year for which statistics were reported). Harris County, our neighbor to the northeast, is ranked number 1 in added cancer risk in Texas (http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/environment-book/contents.htm, A Case Study: Texas Air Quality). Given the many factors associated with lung cancer, especially smoking, it is difficult to attribute cancer deaths to toxic air pollutants; nevertheless, the association is striking. The situation is the same for asthma. Texas already has 19 coal-fired power plants. Among Texas youth under 18 years of age, 61 of every 1000 who live within a 30 mile radius of a coal-fired power plant have asthma. Estimates for three nearby counties with coal-fired plants are 61/1000 - Fort Bend, 60/1000 - Fayette and 56/1000 - Goliad (www.catf.us/publications/factsheets/Children_at_Risk-Texas.pdf). The Sunday supplement to the Tribune (22 March) highlighted the health benefits of regular physical activity. I agree with them wholeheartedly as I had a role in establishing the recommended activity guidelines for school age children in the United States. But, for a youngster or an adult with asthma or limited lung function, physical activity in an environment with pollutants can be a risk for breathing complications. The message appears to be reasonably clear. Elevated mortality from lung cancer and elevated prevalence of asthma are associated with coal-fired power plants and other industries emitting sulfur dioxide, nitrous dioxide and particulate matter. Emissions from the different units are additive. The entire population of the county is at risk as are those in adjacent counties given prevailing winds. It is important that the local medical community become openly involved in the issues – pro or con. It is also essential that the people of Matagorda County let their voices be heard before arrangements for the White Stallion coal-fired power plant are well under way and out of our control. Robert M. Malina, PhD
White Stallion and Health of the County It was very clear at the public hearing Monday evening that our community and county officials bought into the proposal of the White Stallion Energy Corporation specifically for jobs. The construction phase of the coal and pet-coke fired power plant, anticipated starting in 2010, will employ 1000 to 1500 workers, but it is projected that only 150 workers will be employed when is in operation. Using the upper limit, this is a 10% increase in jobs - an incredibly small job return relative to the potential consequences of the plant emissions, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, for the health of the local population and the environment. True, projected tax revenue for the school district, hospital and county will be increased considerably. Is it worth it if the health of the population and environment is compromised? Estimated emissions of pollutants presented Monday evening are that – estimates. There is no guarantee they will be reality. We were informed that the smoke stacks will have monitors. However, who monitors the monitors? Presumably Lyondell and Oxeo-Celenese have monitors. Both companies were listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as in non-compliance with environmental requirements for clean air and water and hazardous waste handling and for reported toxic releases into the environment within the past three years (www.epa-echo.gov, last updated 27 March 2009). The same is true for our neighbor to the east, Phillips 66 Company Sweeny Complex. Wind and water do not stop at geopolitical boundaries between counties! There are no government regulated monitors in Matagorda County for evaluating
ground level and ambient concentrations of pollutants. They are
typically located in larger industrial and residential areas. Background
monitoring in Matagorda County has apparently never been done. Why?
Given the potential health risks to the population, especially children, and to the environment, one would assume our elected and appointed officials would have sufficient common sense to use some of our tax dollars to install a monitoring system for pollutants in the county. After all, we are home to Lyondell-Equistar and Oxea-Celenese, the South Texas Nuclear Facility, the Tres Palacios gas storage facility and no telling how many injection wells from oil exploration in the county. However, it appears that the health of the population and the environment is secondary to economic development at least from the perspective of community and county officials. One can ask, at what cost? We were told Monday evening that that the proposed power plant is safe
for the population and environment of the county, more specifically that
the pollutants emitted will be within acceptable limits. Given the
lack of local monitoring, there are no baseline data for pollutants in
the county. We have no baseline data against which to evaluate the
safety of the proposed plant. Developmental disabilities, diseases
and mortalities are associated with environmental pollutants are well-documented.
If the White Stallion Energy Corporation and the Matagorda County
Economic Development Corporation are really concerned about the health
of the population and environment, they should fund a baseline study of
the health status of the population of Matagorda County, for example,
a survey that properly samples both sexes and all ages and ethnic groups.
The same should be done for the environment — water, soil and
air, and animal and plant life. This way, we will know the health
status of the population and environment before the plant is constructed
and put on line. Robert M. Malina, PhD
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