**Important Tips**

 

• Refrain from emotional pleas and focus on tangible concerns.  When an eComment is filed it becomes a part of the project application's permanent file.  The process is intended to allow concerned individuals to aid FERC in identifying flaws in the application document, and in determining which tests and studies the applicant will be required to conduct.

• Include 2 or 3 concerns from the list below, and demand that the developer conducts the appropriate tests. 

• Type a draft of your comment in a separate word document and copy and paste it into the comment text box when you are ready to submit it, so that you do not lose your work – the webpage tends to timeout.  There is a 10,000 character limit.

• State your concerns and/or opposition to the project – be specific.  Explain how the project would directly affect your life, your property, your water, or your neighborhood.  If you know GPS coordinates, include them!

• Be respectful.  You are more likely to be taken seriously.

• Be as SPECIFIC as possible and FACTUAL.  

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Examples of valid concerns worth mentioning:

• Substantial land clearing and excavation could compromise the structural integrity of the mountain slope and cause landslides or mine-subsidences – the area was once heavily mined.  Request Geotechnical Investigation and Mine Void Mapping Studies.

• Clearing acres of forest could make flooding worse – do you already have issues with water intrusion, have a sump-pump or french drain, or experience flooded roads after a heavy rainfall?

• Excavation could affect natural springs – do you have a well on your property?  Request Hydrogeologic & Well-Impact Studies.

• Nearby property values could be affected by the construction of heavy-industry

• The 200-megawatt natural gas generator could contribute to air and noise pollution.  Request Air Quality Dispersion Modeling Studies and a cumulative Acoustic Impact Assessment.

• The project might drive up utility rates for residents.

• The construction would directly destroy wildlife and protected/endangered species habitats.  Request Seasonal Flora and Fauna Surveys.

• Any historical structures or artifacts located within the project boundary could be erased – are you aware of any? 

• Local businesses might be affected by altered traffic patterns during the construction phase – are you a business owner?  Request Socioeconomic & Traffic Impact Studies.

• Our emergency responders may not be equipped to handle an industrial accident.  Request an Emergency Response Risk Assessment.

• To whom – or what – is the power plant intended to provide power?

• What is the public benefit?