Congressman Duncan Hunter’s response about the Power Plant

From: “Congressman Duncan Hunter” <CA52DHima@mail.house.gov>

March 30, 2012

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding the proposed Quail Brush Generation Project.  I welcome the opportunity to respond to you on this important issue.

I am aware of San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) application to the California Energy Commission (CEC) to build a gas-fired power plant, and have heard many concerns from the residents of Santee regarding this matter.  As you indicated, representatives from the CEC held a workshop this past week to hear from concerned residents.  My schedule as a Member of Congress required that I be in Washington, D.C., so I was not able to attend the meetings in San Diego this week.

Further, my role as a federal legislator limits my involvement in this issue as it is currently being considered on the state and local level.

However, I do understand that the Santee City Council voted unanimously on a resolution Wednesday, voicing opposition to the plant.  Also, San Diego planning commissioners have delayed a decision to potentially change the zoning of the site while the CEC still considers the permit request.

I believe it is imperative that any effort to develop energy resources must be performed with the safety of the public and environment in mind.  In the past, I have opposed projects that would adversely affect private property owners and are not in the best interest of our community.  Regardless, I will continue to monitor the developments of this issue as it affects Santee, and should the matter extend to the federal level, I will keep your concerns firmly in mind.

Thank you once again for contacting me.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

Duncan Hunter
Member of Congress

Please visit my website at hunter.house.gov.com

Noise Pollution maps

There are two maps – one for the unmitigated sound levels from plant operations and another resulting from the “presumed” impact of mitigation. This latter point is important. They do not know the final design of the plant and they have made assumptions about sound transmission from the plant and the mitigation they think they can provide. In their own words, the design is “conceptual.”

The “conceptual” design and mitigation factors result in a noise map that essentially comes in just under the limits permitted. The mitigated noise map clearly indicates that this is based on “conceptualized” mitigation measures.

The unmitigated map indicates there will be 65-75 dBA (decibels) of noise and disturbance within the light mint area on the map. Imagine a constant buzz and drone. A dog barking or an alarm clock is 70 dBA.

The mitigated map indicates there will be 35-40 dBA (decibels) of noise and disturbance if you are anywhere within the light yellow area on the map.

This noise measurements are based on what the power plant will produce. It does not include freeway or ambient noise from other sources. You need to add these other noises for an accumulative effect.

Noise Pollution and health risk

Click to read about Health effects from noise
Click to read about Noise-induced endocrine effects and cardiovascular risk