Ohio utility reaches deal with residents over emissions

Dec. 8 -- American Electric Power Co. has settled a lawsuit filed by residents in southern Ohio by agreeing to reduce sulfuric acid emissions from a coal-fired power plant in Cheshire, Ohio.

Residents filed a lawsuit in 2004 in which they argued sulfuric acid emissions increased at the James M. Gavin power plant after the utility installed a selective catalytic reduction emissions system. The system succeeded in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions but created the unintended boost in sulfuric acid. Nearby residents complained of sore throats, mouth sores, eye irritation, difficulty breathing and headaches, according to Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, a law firm that represented the residents.

Complaints about sulfuric emissions prompted the utility to purchase and demolish many of the surrounding homes. Some of the remaining families brought the lawsuit.

"This is a significant victory for Ohio residents in the battle for clean air," said Jim Hecker, an attorney who represented the residents.

The settlement requires AEP to maintain sulfuric acid emissions at or below 14 parts per million during normal plant operation when the selective catalytic reduction emissions reduction system is in use and at or below 22 ppm when the SCR is not in use. If the emissions exceed the agreed to levels, AEP must notify federal, state and local emergency response agencies.

"We´re pleased we have reached a settlement that brings this lawsuit to an end and recognizes the current operating parameters of the pant," said Nick Akins, executive vice president of generation for AEP.

The plant already is operating within the agreed to parameters, according to AEP.

A corporate spokesman said the utility hopes the settlement provides residents with a better understanding of what is happening at the plant and increases their comfort level.