Public comment on a proposed coal plant in southeast Georgia is open once again because the Environmental Protection Division changed its air permit.

The EPD changed the Early County plant’s designation from a major source polluter to a minor one.

That’s despite all other coal plants in the state being regulated as a major polluter due to the high amount of toxins they emit into the air.

The EPD’s Eric Cornwell says the Early County plant will have more advanced technology.

"The Early County facility is a new facility. They’re looking to put on controls that are... it would be much more tightly controlled than the coal fired plants built back in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s," says Cornwell.

But Justine Thompson with Green Law says the projected limits are unrealistic.

“Our experts have taken a look at it and said they actually can’t meet those standards based on the technology that they’re using,” says Thomson. “So our concern is in the long run those limits won’t be met.”

Public comment is open until July 6th. The EPD will hold a public hearing July 1st in Early County which is just west of Albany.

Tags: Early County, coal plant, green law, early county coal plant, Georgia Environmental Protection Division