Comment Period for Sunflower Holcomb Plant Extended Until December 15

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has extended the deadline for Kansans to submit written comments to the department regarding a proposed air quality construction permit for the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Plants in Holcomb. Written comments must now be postmarked no later than December 15, 2006 to be considered.

“Because of the significant interest in this issue, we feel it is important to extend the deadline to December 15 to insure that everyone interested will have an opportunity to make their thoughts known,” stated Roderick L. Bremby, Secretary of KDHE.

All comments should be submitted in writing to Rick Bolfing, KDHE Bureau of Air and Radiation, 1000 S.W. Jackson, Suite 310, Topeka, KS 66612-1366. Sunflower has applied for a permit to construct three new 700-megawatt coal-fired steam generating units at their generating station located in Holcomb.

KDHE hosted three public hearings on the draft permit in Garden City, Topeka and Lawrence from late October through mid-November. The department had received about 140 written comments as of November 28. The original deadline to submit comments was November 30, 2006.

After KDHE considers all comments, the department will compile and make available a summary of the department’s responses to those comments. KDHE may also propose modifications to the draft permit, based upon comments from the public. The final decision to issue the permit will be made by Secretary Bremby.

A copy of the proposed permit, permit application, all supporting documentation, and all information relied upon during the permit application review process are available for public review at the above address until December 15, 2006 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, Monday through Friday. To obtain or review the proposed permit and supporting documentation, please contact Rick Bolfing at (785) 296-1576.

Also, copies of the proposed permit by itself (without the application and other supporting documents) can be viewed at the following locations. Nominal copying fees will be assessed for any copies requested:

KDHE Northwest District Office
2301 East 13th St. , Hays
(Please call 785-625-5663 to schedule viewing.)

KDHE Southwest District Office
302 W. MacArtor Road , Dodge City
(Please call 620-225-0596 to schedule viewing.)

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