Coal power plant plan fires up debate

By Molly Parker , Staff Writer

Even as the nation turns its attention to producing environmentally friendly energy through renewable resources, Santee Cooper is poised to construct a 600-megawatt pulverized coal facility near Kingsburg to meet the state’s growing energy demands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been holding meetings recently to gather public input for the environmental impact statement it must put together before the plant can be built in rural Florence County.

Meanwhile, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce issued its support for the plant, saying in a news release Wednesday that it is “critical to South Carolina’s ability to keep its schools, homes and businesses running and to keep and attract good jobs and businesses.”

“Low cost and reliable power are listed consistently as top reasons by companies looking to relocate or expand,” read a statement from Charles Van Rysselberge, president and CEO of the chamber.

The $1 million coal-fired generation facility is expected to add 1,400 jobs during construction, and create 100 full-time jobs with an average salary of $50,000 once completed, the release said. 

Coal-fired plants are a source of controversy because of the level of greenhouse gas they emit.

Coal generates 54% of the nation’s electricity, and is the single biggest air polluter in the United States, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Web site. Coal pollutes when it is mined, transported to the power plant, stored and burned, it reads.

The chamber’s support is based on Santee Cooper’s claim that it will run one of the cleanest power plants in the nation, reducing sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 97%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% and mercury emissions between 85% and 90%.

A study released earlier this week by the state’s electric cooperatives reported that only 3% of the state’s energy can be produced through renewable resources such as biomass, wind and solar.

Santee Cooper and SCE&G are looking to build a co-owned nuclear plant near the existing nuclear plant in Jenkinsville. Nuclear plants are considered more environmentally friendly but one has not been built in the United States for decades because of concerns over cost and safety.

Local bell foundry launches new product

By Daily Journal Staff

Fraser named chair of development authority

By Daily Journal Staff

Christopher B. Fraser, president of Charleston-based real estate development company Grubb & Ellis|Barkley Fraser, has been named chairman of the board of commissioners of the S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority.

Fraser, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the real estate arena, was appointed as a member of the board in 2004. He co-founded the real estate development company in 1989.    

HGTV star moves to Daniel Island

By Kathleen Dayton , Staff Writer

Terry Haas, a real estate expert featured on the HGTV program “Designed To Sell,” has moved to Daniel Island from Washington, D.C.

Haas also works as a home staging consultant and plans to set up her consulting business in the Charleston area. 

On “Designed To Sell,” Haas demonstrates how to transform a tired house into a showplace that will attract buyers. Through home staging, Haas instructs homeowners on how to enhance their home’s highlights, minimize its flaws and create buyer interest. Among some of the low-cost, key elements of home staging include reducing clutter, creating curb appeal and organizing closets.

The show’s team includes two designers, a construction crew and host Shane Tallant, who is Haas’s brother.

Haas’ spokeswoman Christy Young said there are no plans at present to film episodes of “Designed To Sell” in Charleston. The show is currently taped in Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington.

Haas has 15 years’ experience in real estate and is married to Tim Haas, a real estate broker. The couple made the decision to move to the Charleston area because they were looking for a close-knit community.

Haas will commute to Washington to tape episodes of “Designed To Sell.” In addition to her regular role on the HGTV program, Haas has been featured on two HGTV specials, “20 Ways To Add Value To Your Home,” and “Top 35 Selling Secrets.” She has also been a featured guest on American Public Media’s radio talk show “Marketplace.”

Nominations sought for health care hero awards

The Charleston Regional Business Journal is seeking nominations for recipients of awards it will distribute this fall in conjunction with WellPath, a health care plan in the Carolinas, to area health care workers, volunteers and organizations.

Weekend: Fall Music Festival rained out

Anyone planning to enjoy Goose Creek’s Fall Music Festival this weekend will have to wait. City officials have decided to reschedule the festival due to the possibility of inclement weather.

Originally slated for Saturday, the festival will now take place from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center at 519 N. Goose Creek Blvd./Highway 52. Bands include The Original Loafers (’50s and ’60s favorites), Starling (soft rock), Inlyn Gruve (beach music) and Whiskey & Perfume (country/rock).

Fireworks will follow the complimentary concert sponsored by the city of Goose Creek. Food vendors will be on hand and outside coolers are permitted; pets are not allowed at this event. Bring a blanket or chair for seating. For more information, call 797-6220, ext. 117.

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