Battle for Northland coal plant begins

Hearings have begun to decide if a controversial proposal for a coal-fired power station at Marsden Point goes ahead.

The plan by Mighty River Power to fire up the mothballed Marsden B station using coal garnered 4000-plus submissions to the Northland Regional Council and Whangarei District Council.

Most submissions raised environmental concerns about air quality, health, visual effects, dust, odour and emissions of potential toxic substances such as sulphur dioxide. Despite the large number of submissions only 15 members of the public attended the first day.

The sessions, which are expected to go on for six weeks, are being overseen by Peter Salmon, QC, a retired high court judge, independent commissioner Gary Venus, NRC member David Hill and air quality expert Dr Mark Goldstone.

Environmental action group Greenpeace is scheduled to speak to its submissions on July 26.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)