Fraser Valley urge rejection of proposed power plant at Sumas

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia (AP) Nearly 80 people, many representing groups that oppose construction of a generating plant at nearby Sumas, Wash., have begun stating their views to Canada's National Energy Board.

``This number of interveners is unprecedented,'' board chairman Rowland Harrison said Monday at the start of hearings.

National Energy Systems Co. and an affiliated company, Sumas Energy II, have proposed construction of a $400 million, 660-megawatt power plant about half a mile from the border.

The hearings cover a 5.9-mile power line that would link the natural gas-fired plant to the Canadian power grid. Electricity would return to the United States over existing power lines, but company officials say the project hinges on the Canadian hookup.

Opposition has focused largely on the impact on air quality in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver.

``The project will meet all standards. It will beat all standards. It will surpass Canada-wide standards that don't even come into effect until 2010,'' Sumas II chief executive Chuck Martin told reporters.

Many of those who addressed the board were not convinced.

``It is the elderly who are going to suffer from the increased air pollution,'' said Audrey Moberly, 78, speaking for Streamkeepers, Central Valley Naturalists and other groups.

Milt Bowling, a director of the U.S. group EMR Network, warned of the effects of the high-voltage transmission line.

``There are decades of research and reports saying electromagnetic radiation is harmful,'' Bowling said.

Barry Penner, a British Columbia legislator from the area, said the provincial government would provide experts to discuss air, water and soil concerns. The province opposes the project despite the $148 million it would provide to British Columbia's economy.

``It is not the kind of money we want,'' Penner said.

The project was approved in August by Washington Gov. Gary Locke, who said it ``sets a new standard of excellence for environmental protection'' by promising zero net emissions of nitrogen oxide and particulates and mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions.

The board is accepting public comment for the next six weeks. A decision is expected this fall.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)