The state Environmental Protection Division has issued a final permit to a controversial coal-fired power plant in east Georgia.

The EPD approved measures to mitigate pollution at the future Plant Washington near Sandersville.

But Environment Georgia says it’s not enough, issuing a written response saying, the plant “would be powered by dirty, last-generation technologies that would do little to secure Georgia’s energy future.”

Dean Alford of the group that’s building the plant -- Power4Georgians -- says the plant will create jobs in the state.

ALFORD: “There will 125 permanent jobs at the plant site. There will be 130 jobs in the Washington County area to support the plant. And so it’s a big economic impact not only to Washington County but to the entire state.” (:16)

Opponents have 30 days to appeal the permits.

Contributors: Josephine Bennett

Tags: Environmental Protection Division, Plant Washington, Power4Georgians, Sandersville, Environment Georgia, coal plants