What threatens our air quality?

Coal-Burning Power Plants

Fort Martin Power PlantCoal-burning power plants are the largest single source of major air pollutants in our area. There are seven coal-burning power plants within a 30-mile radius of Morgantown. Two are in Monongalia County itself: Ft. Martin in Maidsville, Morgantown Energy Associates on Beechurst Avenue in downtown Morgantown. Marion County has power plants in Grant Town and Rivesville. Harrison County has a power plant in Shinnston, and Preston County has a plant in Albright. Greene County, PA is home to the Hatfield's Ferry Plant in Masontown. Many of these power plants were built in the 1960's or earlier and lack modern pollution controls.

In addition to these existing power plants, new power plants are planned for our area: Longview in Maidsville and GERRP (a "gob" or waste coal burner), in Greene County.

According to a report of EPA data published by the US Public Interest Research Group, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have some of the highest emissions of power plant pollutants in the nation. Pennsylvania's power plants release the second highest amount of sulfur dioxide in the country; West Virginia comes in at sixth place. In addition, the emissions from some of our oldest and dirtiest power plants have increased between 1993 and 2003. Monongalia County's own Fort Martin has produced the seventh highest increase (47%) in sulfur dioxide emissions, nationwide!

Vehicle Emissions and Industry

Vehicular emissions are a second local source of air pollution. Minor sources of air pollution in our area include industry, fireplaces and woodstoves, and other burning.