Tell DEQ: We Deserve Better Than Meta's Pollution Plants

Public Comment on PSD-LA-862 (AI 245286) and Associated Permits (Franklin Farms)

I am submitting the following public comment regarding the proposed Franklin Farms Power Station (AI Number 245286), including the Initial Part 70 Air Operating Permit (2460-00034-V0), PSD Permit (PSD-LA-862), Acid Rain Permit (2460-00034-IV0), and the associated Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS). Based on the scale of the facility and the serious risks it poses to public health and environmental quality, I respectfully request that LDEQ deny these permits. At minimum, I urge the Department to extend the comment period and schedule an additional public hearing in Richland Parish, where residents can meaningfully understand and comment on this major project. 1. The proposed emissions levels are extremely high and pose major health risks. Entergy’s own application projects annual emissions far above PSD significance levels, including: - 485.44 tpy NOx - 275 tpy PM10/PM2.5 - 3926.38 tpy CO - 1353.18 tpy VOCs - 93.76 tpy sulfuric acid - 5,199,215 tpy CO₂e NOx, PM2.5, and VOCs contribute to asthma, heart disease, and premature mortality, particularly in communities with existing health burdens. Approving a plant of this scale without a comprehensive Health Impact Assessment places local residents at unacceptable risk. 2. This project was processed through an expedited pathway despite its unprecedented size. A 1,500 MW combined-cycle gas plant—one of the largest proposed in Louisiana in years—should not move through an expedited process with limited time for community engagement. The public needs more time to review technical documents and understand the potential impacts. 3. The Environmental Assessment Statement does not adequately address cumulative or regional impacts. The EAS fails to evaluate: - Cumulative air pollution impacts on children, seniors, schools, and vulnerable residents. - Combined emissions from gas turbines, duct burners, backup generators, and ancillary equipment. - Regional air-pollution burdens in Richland Parish and surrounding areas. - Upstream and downstream emissions associated with gas supply and grid demand. Without this analysis, the EAS cannot support a finding of “no significant adverse impact.” 4. The facility is being built to serve Meta’s Hyperion Data Center—yet the community bears the environmental risks. Although not listed in the permit, Entergy publicly states this plant is needed to supply power to the Meta Hyperion Data Center. This raises serious questions: - Why are local residents expected to absorb the pollution burden for a private corporation’s energy demand? - Why are the full economic, air-quality, and health impacts not disclosed in this permit process? -Why is an industrial user driving infrastructure that harms community air quality? These issues must be addressed before any permit is approved. 5. The permit lacks enforceable safeguards and independent monitoring. Before any authorization, the permit must include: - Continuous independent air monitoring (PM2.5, NOx, VOCs) - Fenceline monitors with real-time public data - Clear mitigation triggers when air quality worsens - Emergency notification requirements for nearby residents These are essential protections for a facility with pollution loads of this magnitude. For these reasons, I respectfully request that LDEQ do the following :Deny the PSD, Part 70, and Acid Rain permits, OR At minimum: - Extend the comment period, - Require a full cumulative Health Impact Assessment, - Mandate independent air monitoring, and - Hold another public hearing with proper notice in Richland Parish. Please add me to the mailing list for all future notices regarding this project. Thank you for your consideration of these concerns.