I am writing to take issue with many of the statements made by those representing Dairyland Power Cooperative as relating to the toxic ash landfill proposed for Vernon County. Let’s remember that ultimately the goal is to reduce pollution.

Brian Rude ( external relations director for Dairyland Power) and others have stated that Dairyland Power has looked at many options other than a landfill. I asked Rude if Dairyland Power studied the possibility of investing the $350 million slated for the scrubber and landfill in renewable energy and a conservation program. This would allow the shutdown of the antique, highly polluting Genoa plant rather than duct taping an outdated technology onto it. We are still waiting for a response based on an actual study of this or similar scenario.

I am very disappointed in Rude’s deliberate attempt to discredit the HOPE and Asbury Ridge Community for Hope groups by making statements such as “ ...asking us to deliberately pollute rather than clean up the air.” These sincere citizen groups want only an actual reduction in pollution and not transferring from air to land and water. Dairyland Power’s plan only minimally reduces SoX,NoX and mercury while increasing Co2 and destroying 600-plus acres as farmland for ever. The unproven technology of the proposed landfill must be maintained for eternity in order that the toxins do not spill into the environment. Dairyland Power with its poor record of environmental stewardship has known for many years that they would need to meet federal regulations. They procrastinated and finally made a decision based on former circumstances.

While reading the May issue of the Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News I was appalled at what I read in the Vernon Electric Co-op section. It stated that at the annual meeting two resolutions were “presented” by members. These two resolutions basically stated that Dairyland Power should not follow their above plan or Vernon Electric Cooperative should renegotiate its contract with Dairyland Power. Both passed overwhelmingly in the order of 200 plus to 2. I hope the article was not an attempt to deceive statewide co-op members as to Vernon Electric Cooperative member’s desire. The Vernon Electric Cooperative board of directors needs to follow through with member wishes.

My conclusion is that Dairyland Power needs a board of directors that looks to the future rather than the past as it makes decisions. They also need to quit the public relations campaign and start talking openly and honestly with the citizens they serve.

Dan Peper

Viroqua

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