Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 9, 2014 6:13 p.m.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has agreed to postpone action on the Kinder Morgan request to modify its air permit to handle coal at the Port of Fernandina until such time as State Senator Aaron Bean and State Representative Janet Adkins can attend a local public meeting on the topic, probably in October. FDEP was also contacted by the City of Fernandina Beach, which sought a local public hearing or community forum to discuss the topic.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
To All, I’ve just read a bunch of comments on face book, all the politicians are jumping on this, they can’t wait to take credit for this permit hold. I don’t know how much any of them had in this. I do know that Janet Adkins Received Emails from a bunch of folk in this community, I saw them on her assistants desk and that Jim Adams and Joe Zimmerman were running around looking for information for Janet so she could talk to Russell Simpson of FDEP about this Permit mess. Joe called me at about 3pm today saying they got a HOLD on the Permit that would corrupt our air, until we have a Town Hall meeting , Which Janet and Aaron will host in Oct.[time to be announced] . So I give the credit to Janet Atkins, her crew and a lot of wonderful people who took the time to care about this community and write Emails to our representatives. It doesn’t hurt that both Janet and Aaron live in our fantastic community. The fight is only started, lets make sure that the Town Hall meeting will have such a huge turnout that it will have to be held on Center Street. Go Team we can do this. City Commissioners, This is your town too, I did’t get a fuzzy feeling about any of you stepping to the plate To support this effort. If i’m wrong about that sorry.
I wrote to Johnny Miller via Facebook and heard back from him that he was in contact with Mr. Zimmerman and he had requested that the people be heard . . . so one City Commissioner accounted for . . . I have a concern about our COUNTY Commissioners! Did they know? Steve Kelley is our District 2 Commissioner and (so far) we have not heard a peep . . . .
Aaron Bean’s office had reached out to me as well. God bless them both. This is a huge opportunity for all of us citizens who felt left out of the loop. Now Fernandinans – time to step up and speak with one voice for our community!
Great news. It will be interesting to hear what OHPA has to say at their meeting today. Here is the response that I received from Aaron Bean’s office:
From: TARSITANO.MEGHAN
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 13:21:19 -0400
To: Dave Lott
Subject: RE: Air Permit 0890440-001-AC
Mr. Lott,
Senator Bean has received a large number of e-mails on this topic, and asked me to respond on his behalf.
We are working with DEP, area residents, and other stakeholders to ensure that the community’s voice is heard. We are committed to reaching a resolution that will be in the best interest of Fernandina Beach and one that is in keeping with the community’s values and lifestyle. As a lifelong Fernandina resident, Senator Bean will do all he can to preserve the natural and historic beauty of the area as well as the quality of life its residents enjoy.
Senator Bean is currently out of town, but I will be attending the OHPA meeting tomorrow evening in his stead. Please feel welcome to pass along any additional concerns you may have.
Regards,
Meghan Tarsitano | Communications Director
Senator Aaron Bean | Florida Senate, 4th District
1919 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
District Office: (904)346-5039
Fax: (888)263-1578
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.flsenate.gov/senators/s4
I believe that FDEP has put the approval of the permit on hold because of a request for an administrative hearing. Adkins and Bean will use that time to hold a town hall.
To All, Just came home from OHPA commission meeting, Kinder Morgan rescinded it’s air corruption permit from FDEP. #1 Priority DONE. But that being said, Atkins. Bean Town Meeting was to cover only the coal permit. We need to work on all our public officials to keep had Town Hall on our schedule. Lots of work to do. The positive aspect of this expansion at the Port—- Republicans, Democrats Progressive, Conservative We All love this town and it’s community. To Team!!!
Steve,
Good news about air permit request being retracted but vigilence is still required. I still think that KM and/or OHPA should address the following questions:
1. Why was not the City proactively consulted prior to the air permit request being initiated?
2. Will KM agree to meetings with the City prior to any such action in the future?
3. Why was the coal transfer plan not mentioned in any discussion about the Port’s 10 year strategic plan?
4. I know that OHPA began having joint workshop meeting with the City Commission back in 2012 in order to foster a better relationship. Is OHPA still committed to that initiative?
5. What can be done to improve communications between OHPA and the citizens of FB and Nassau County?
Dave, All five points are well taken, I think the Ocean Highway And Port Authority have lost there way. One point is really troubling to me, wonder if you or anybody else can shed some light on it, Faith R. in an earlier post mentioned that OHPA Commissioner Bruce is a” Customs Broker” if that’s true and he is still active,as a Customs Broker What a conflict of interest. I feel that this group of Commissioners need to reevaluate just who they represent, the people of Nassau County and yes Fernandina Beach is still in Nassau County or Kinder Morgan who these Commissioners Hired to run it. They can’t have it both ways. Dave, your right, we need to continue to be vigilant. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve been so impressed with the intellect, knowledge, Focus and research That these folks have shown on this Port issue. Thanks again everyone.
It seems like Aaron Beam and Janet Atkins will be a big help in our efforts to have this resolved or at least discussed with the various sources. It is still up to the Citizens to continue to bring pressure and support those who have stepped up in the City Commission, the candidates, and County in voicing their objections.