20070812 Ver 2_NC revoking Alocoa certification_20101201

NC revoking Alcoa certification for Yadkin dams - Business I Centre Daily Times - State ... Page 1 of 1

Print This Article
NC revoking Alcoa certification for Yadkin dams
By MIKE BAKER - Associated Press
December 1, 2010 2:29Pm EST
Like Sign Up to see what your friends like.
RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina regulators revoked a key certification provided in Alcoa
Inc.'s bid to operate dams along the Yadkin River, claiming Wednesday that the company
intentionally withheld information.
The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the company
failed to disclose details on the project's ability to meet the state's water quality standards.
Officials said that omission came to light in a hearing about the certification.
"The process of certification relies on applicants submitting accurate and comprehensive
information to the division," said Coleen Sullins, director of the Division of Water Quality.
"When they do not, revocation is warranted."
Alcoa subsidiary Alcoa Power Generating Inc. said in a statement that it never withheld any
"material information." The company plans to immediately challenge the state's revocation.
"We do not believe the state's decision is justified or appropriate," said Rick Bowen,
president of Alcoa Energy.
A withdrawal of North Carolina's certification would essentially block Alcoa from getting
federal approval in their contentious bid to operate four dams for up to 50 more years. The
state Division of Water Quality initially approved Alcoa's plans last year on condition that it
include a $240 million guarantee that Alcoa make improvements to its system.
The permit is opposed by a variety of state leaders, including Gov. Beverly Perdue, who
hope to regain control over the dams and the electricity they produce.
ttii11111,11,u
Have the CDT delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.
E
Get the TV Book delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.
http://www.centredaily.com/2010/12/01 /v-printl23737141nc-revoking-alcoa-certification.h... 12/1/2010