EGLE meeting to go on despite peaking plant plans canceled

Sep. 18—A public meeting in Grand Haven is still scheduled for next week by the state environmental agency to discuss a draft air permit for a now-canceled proposal for a natural gas-powered peaking plant on Harbor Island.

Originally proposed as part of a bond proposal from the Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP), the peaking plant would have been used only during the "peak" times throughout the year to offset some of the energy costs for its customers. However, the plan proved to be controversial, with a large portion of the community opposed to the idea.

Ultimately, the Grand Haven City Council along with the BLP decided to abandon the plan, as well as the rest of the bond proposal that came with it.

Despite the plans for the peaking plant being canceled, the meeting will go on. It will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 22, beginning at 6 p.m.

According to Permit Section Manager Annette Switzer of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy's Air Quality Division, the BLP has not removed its permit application for the island and the project.

"The Air Quality Division is required to review and complete the process for all permit applications that are received, unless a company withdraws the application," Switzer explained in an email. "Grand Haven Board of Light & Power has not withdrawn their permit application, so the application is still in process by the Air Quality Division. This means that the comment period is still open, and the virtual hearing will be held on Sept. 22."

According to a press release from the state agency, the meeting will detail what the BLP is proposing for the site and to answer community questions.

The public comment period for the project ends Oct. 4.

BLP officials could not be reached at the time of reporting for this article.