Down River 6/10

By John Lipez

The Renovo Energy Center Project:
Seven years and counting, that’s the current timeline as backers of the Renovo Energy Center project continue their seemingly never-ending effort to get the huge project to just cross the starting line.

A month or two back, supporters thought the long-delayed project was a go, following the state Department of Environmental Protection okay for the needed air quality permit, what was seen as the final major obstacle to be cleared.

But in today’s world, there is often another obstacle or two still to be surmounted. Another delay has cropped up as environmentalists recently appealed the DEP approval to a state agency called the Environmental Hearing Board.

The EHB (that’s what I’m calling it) is almost the court of last resorts for project opponents to plead their case. With some help from local moles, here is what we know:

There are presently some four judges, all appointed by previous governors, going back to Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell. These judges, according to people who pay attention to these things, are not a rubberstamp for environmentalists. The agency’s website gives us some insight as to its role: ‘The Board hears appeals from actions of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The Board holds hearings and issues Adjudications, Opinions, and Orders. Hearings before the Board are similar to non-jury civil trials before Common Pleas Courts or Federal District Courts. Appeals from Board decisions are taken to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.” The locals who monitor these things don’t believe there will be any movement towards a hearing until after the June 15 DEP-set deadline for public comments relative to that agency’s earlier air quality permit approval.

What does it all mean? Hard to say. How will it all play out? Hard to say. We do know that project backers and local economic development types know that delays of this type cost time and money. Depending on your view of the Renovo proposal, this latest development, the appeal to the EHB, will make you happy or sad. It certainly has looked like the REC developers had built a strong case to get approval for the air quality permit. From 28 miles down river, this latest delay is unfortunate as Renovo tries to get some life-sustaining jobs back into western Clinton County.

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Chapman Township and the ATVs:
Wise move by the Chapman Township supervisors who recently agreed to put off until later this year a decision on a proposed ordinance allowing ATVs to traverse township-owned roadways.

With a reasonably massive pipeline project coursing its way through much of the township, with all its attendant massive equipment utilizing township roads, it would make little sense to bring ATVs into that roadway mix.

If and when the township fathers make their final decision in November or December, here’s a thought that perhaps could help soothe things over among a township populace divided on the ATV issue.

The township recently did a survey of property owners as to their views on the ATV proposal. As reported at the supervisors’ June meeting (and in a story in this week’s print Record), more favor the plan than oppose it.

Why not take the survey results and figure out the streets the respondents live on. If a street has the bulk of its residents opposing ATV usage, I’d strike that one from consideration. I’d also look to limit the approved streets to the more rural areas of the township. I know if I were residing in North Bend and environs, I’d not be happy to hear those engines running up and down the street outside.

It just seems there might be room for some compromise so the township could do some kind of a small test run to gauge the reaction, from township residents and township visitors. I’ve read the stories that ATV usage on public streets in West Virginia has been well received and a boost to tourism there. I’m not sure the state of West Virginia is the best one to try and emulate in matters such as this.

The township supervisors have bought some time with their decision to delay a vote. If there is room for compromise, the township should pursue it before going full-tilt with ATVs maneuvering around the township.

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Better Know Your Opponent:
In my capacity with the broadcasting of sports, it’s always helpful to try and learn something about the communities the local teams are playing against.

It provides for something to talk about during the game broadcast and it never hurts to learn something new.

Which leads to the Central Mountain baseball team, a couple wins away from a PIAA title game appearance on the Penn State campus on June 17.

Which leads to this Thursday’s Wildcat opponent, the West Allegheny Indians: West Allegheny is located in Imperial, PA. Never heard of Imperial? Me neither. Wikipedia tells us it’s a “census-designated place” in Allegheny County, not far from the Pittsburgh International Airport, its population 2,541 as of the 2010 census.

The “CDP” is located in North Fayette and Findlay Townships. Imperial was established as a mining town about 1879 by the Imperial Coal Company.

Route 30 runs right through the center of its 3.1 square miles.

As for West Allegheny High School, its colors are scarlet and gray.

Hope you found this information helpful if/when you ever have to travel a bit south of Pittsburgh.