PUBLIC SUBMISSION

As of: March 30, 2012

Received: March 22, 2012

Status: Draft

Tracking No. 80fdd6a9

Comments Due: March 26, 2012

Submission Type: Web

Docket: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367

Alaska Regional Haze SIP

Comment On: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-0001

Approvals and Promulgations of Implementation Plans: State of Alaska; Regional Haze

Document: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-DRAFT-0045

Comment on FR Doc # 2012-04326

Submitter Information

General Comment

I believe there should be no restriction on continued operation of coal fired power plants in 

Alaska. The minimal population and weater conditions ensure that emissions are not a major 

issue in the Denali area. 

On the other hand, the exhorbitant energy prices in Alaska would be further exacerbated by 

placing restrictions on the operation of coal fired power plants. At the current time there are no 

cost effective alternatives available to Alaska residents.

As a 40 year resident of Alaska i request you consider the economic hardships on Alaskans that 

further regulation would cause.

George Bennett

602 Keeling RD

North Pole, AK

99705
PUBLIC SUBMISSION

As of: March 30, 2012

Received: March 23, 2012

Status: Draft

Tracking No. 80fdfee0

Comments Due: March 26, 2012

Submission Type: Web

Docket: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367

Alaska Regional Haze SIP

Comment On: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-0001

Approvals and Promulgations of Implementation Plans: State of Alaska; Regional Haze

Document: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-DRAFT-0046

Comment on FR Doc # 2012-04326

Submitter Information

Submitter's Representative: Alice Edwards, Director, Division of Air Quality

Organization: State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation

Government Agency Type: State

Government Agency: Department of Environmental Conservation

General Comment

See attached file(s)

Attachments

EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367 RH SIP letter 3-23-12
PUBLIC SUBMISSION

As of: March 30, 2012

Received: March 26, 2012

Status: Draft

Tracking No. 80fe1b6a

Comments Due: March 26, 2012

Submission Type: Web

Docket: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367

Alaska Regional Haze SIP

Comment On: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-0001

Approvals and Promulgations of Implementation Plans: State of Alaska; Regional Haze

Document: EPA-R10-OAR-2011-0367-DRAFT-0047

Comment on FR Doc # 2012-04326

Submitter Information

Organization: Barbara Brease

General Comment

PO Box 549

Healy, Alaska 99743

March 26, 2012

Docket ID No. EPA-R10-

OAR-2011-0367

Dear Mr. McLerran 

This is to urge you to strengthen the haze plan for Alaska and require a reduction in haze 

pollutants from coal-fired power plants that threaten the air quality of Denali National Park. The 

Clean Air Act should not be undermined.

As a resident of Healy, Alaska, I live on the boundary of Denali National Park can attest to the 

need for a reduction in emission pollutants. The increase in haze in and around Denali National 

Park over the years is noticeable. If E.P.A. allows GVEA to skip emission reduction technology 

upgrades at Units 1 and 2, visibility will decline even more. Additionally, please consider the 

tourism industry that markets Denali as a pristine landscape.

The EPA must be aware that the Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) Healy Power Plant 
is a very short distance from the border of f Denali National Park. The winds blow the plume 

from Unit 1 right into Denali airspace. If Unit 2 goes online NOx and SO2 emissions will be 

even more increased. EPA’s own data shows that the visual range you can see at Denali National 

Park ranges and that this is due to haze. 

While the issue seems to focus on the visual impacts of haze, the particles and gasses that cause 

the haze (sulfates, nitrates, organic carbon, and elemental carbon (soot) are linked to serious 

health and environmental effects. Haze pollution contributes to heart attacks, asthma attacks, 

chronic bronchitis, respiratory illness and premature death. 

We know that forest fires and emissions from Asia and Europe are contributors to our haze. 

Cleaning up our own coal-fired plants is an action that we can take towards improving visibility 

and air quality in Denali. 

Please strengthen the haze plan for Alaska and require meaningful reductions in haze pollution 

from power plants threatening the air quality of Denali National Park, as well as all Alaskan 

National Parks and Wilderness Areas.