Sierra Club et al v. United States Army Corps of Engineers et al
Filing
214
CONSENT DECREE. Signed by Honorable Richard G. Kopf on December 22, 2011. (lw)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
TEXARKANA DIVISION
Sierra Club, et aI.,
)
)
)
)
Plaintiffs,
v.
)
United States Army
Corps of Engineers, et aI.,
Electronically Filed
)
)
)
Defendants.
Civil No. 4:10-cv-04017-RGK
)
)
CONSENT DECREE
WHEREAS, the Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, and Audubon Arkansas
(collectively "Plaintiffs") filed a Complaint on February 11, 2010, and a First Amended
Complaint on July 16, 2010 (collectively, "Complaints") against the United States Army Corps
of Engineers and the District Engineer of the Vicksburg District (the "COE") challenging a
permit issued on December 17, 2009 (the "COE Permit") to Southwestern Electric Power
Company ("SWEPCO") (Plaintiffs and SWEPCO are collectively referred to as the "Parties")
for certain work associated with the construction of the John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant (the
"Turk Plant"); and
WHEREAS, the Complaints alleged claims for il1i uuctive and declaratory relief
pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 701 et seq., ("APA") based on
allegations that the COE permit failed to conform to the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act, 42 USC §§ 4321-70a ("NEPA"), and its implementing regulations,
and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 USC § 1344 (the "CWA"), and its
implementing regulations; and
1
WHEREAS, SWEPCO timely intervened in that action and has vigorously
defended its permit; and
WHEREAS, in their Complaints, Plaintiffs allege that the COE failed to properly
analyze, evaluate, and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the construction of the
Turk Plant in connection with the issuance of the COE Permit; and
WHEREAS, the COE and SWEPCO have denied and continue to deny the
allegations in the Complaint and maintain that the COE's actions conform to the applicahle
requirements ofNEPA, the CWA, and other applicable law, and that relief is not available under
the APA or other applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the Patties have negotiated in good faith and have reached a
settlement of the issues raised in the Complaints; and
WHEREAS, the Parties hereby consent to entry of this Consent Decree without
further trial of any issue, and without fUlther adjudication or determination of liability; and
WHEREAS, the Palties agree, and the Court by entering this Consent Decree
finds, that this Consent Decree is fair, reasonable, and in the public interest; and that entry of this
Consent Decree without further litigation is the most appropriate means of resolving this matter
and that the preliminary injunction previously issued in this matter should be dissolved;
NOW, THEREFORE, without any admission of fact or law, without conceding
any j1ll'isdictional or other claims or defenses, and without any findings with respect to the merits
of the allegations presented in the Complaints; it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, AND
AGREED as follows:
I.
1.
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
This COUlt has jurisdiction over this action, the subject matter herein, and the
Patties consenting hereto, P1ll'Suatlt to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 5 U.S .C. § 701 et seq.
2
2.
Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. § 1391 (e) because the Turk Plant
is located in this district.
II.
3.
APPLICABILITY
Upon entry, the provisions of this Consent Decree shall apply to and be binding
upon the Parties, their successors and assigns.
III.
4.
DEFINITIONS
"Annual Capacity Factor" means the percent of utilization of a generating unit in
any l2-month rolling period, calculated as the total megawatt hours of energy actually produced
by the generating unit during that 12-month period divided by the product of the unit's
nameplate capacity times 8,760 hours.
5.
"CEMS"
01'
"Continuous Emission Monitoring System" means, for obligations
involving particulate matter (PM) emissions under this Consent Decree, the devices defined in 40
C.P.R. § 60.2 and installed and maintained as required by 40 C.F.R. Pali 60.
6.
"Clean Energy Resources" means wind power from new Wind Energy Resources
or solar power fi'om new Solar Energy Resources.
7.
"Commercial Operation" for
the Turk Plant means that construction,
commissioning, shakedown and testing has been completed and that the generating unit has been
placed in service to provide electricity to the bulk electricity system and is being dispatched by
the Southwest Power Pool ("SPP").
8.
"Consent Decree" or "Decree" means this Consent Decree.
9.
"Emission Rate" means the number of pounds of pollutant emitted pel' million
BTU of heat input ("lbIMMBtu''), measured in accordance with this Consent Decree.
I O.
"Generation Emergency" means the period of time staliing when the Southwest
Power Pool (SPP) issues a real-time "Energy Emergency Alert" or when the Balancing Anthority
3
issues an "Operating Reserve Warning" or requires "Maximum Emergency Generation,"
whichever is earlier, for the Balancing Authority which includes Welsh Unit 2 or the Turk Plant
and ending twelve (12) hours after the Energy Emergency Alert or Operating Reserve Warning is
cancelled or Maximum Emergency Generation is no longer required. "Balancing Authority,"
"Energy Emergency Alert," "Operating Reserve Warning" and "Maximum Emergency
Generation" shall be defined as set forth in SPP Criteria 6 (October 26, 2010 or any superseding
criteria) or the SPP Emergency Procedures Manual.
11.
"lbIMMBtu" means pound(s) of a pollutant per million British thermal units of
heat input.
12.
"Malfunction" means malfunction as that term is defined under 40 C.F.R. § 60.2.
13.
"MW" means a megawatt or one million watts.
14.
"Patties" means Plaintiffs and SWEPCO.
15.
"Plaintiffs" means Sierra Club, National Audubon Society and Audubon
Arkansas.
16.
"PMIO" means palticulate matter less than 10 microns in size.
17·.
"Solar Energy Resources" shall mean any new solar generating resource
interconnected to the bulk electric system or SWEPCO's distribution system for which a
resource analysis has been pelformed that specifies a long-term average annual capacity factor of
twenty (20) percent or greater and, if the resource will be secured through a long-term power
purchase agreement, provides for the payment of liquidated damages if minimum annual
deliveries of energy consistent with that long-term average are not satisfied.
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18.
"Turk Air Permit" shall mean the pennit issued to the Turk Plant under the
Prevention of Significant Deterioration and the Title V Operating Permit Programs of the Clean
Air Act and which is identified as Permit No. 2123-AOP-RO.
19.
"Turk NPDES Permit" shall mean the permit issued to the Turk Plant under the
CWA to authorize wastewater discharges and which is identified as Permit No AR0051136.
20.
"Turk Solid Waste Permit" shall mean the permit issued to the Turk Plant under
the Arkansas Solid Waste Management Act that allows the disposal of coal combustion
byproducts at the Turk Plant and which is identified as Permit No. 0311-S3N.
21.
"Welsh Unit 2" shall mean Unit 2 at SWEPCO's Welsh Power Station in Titus
County, Texas.
22.
"Wind Energy Resources" shall mean any new wind generating resource
interconnected to the bulk electric system
01'
SWEPCO's distribution system for which a wind
resource analysis has been performed that specifies a long-term average annual capacity factor of
forty (40) percent
01'
greater and, if the resource will be secured through a long-term power
purchase agreement, provides for the payment of liquidated damages if minimum annual
deliveries of energy consistent with that long-term average are not satisfied.
IV.
FUTURE ENERGY RESOURCES
A.
Future Development at the Turk Plant Site
23.
SWEPCO shall not consh'uct any additional generating units on the site of the
Turk Plant. In addition, during the operation of the Turk Plant, SWEPCO shall not construct any
new coal-fn'ed units at any location in Arkansas that is within a 3D-mile radius of the Turk Plant
site.
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B.
Welsh Unit 2
24.
Beginning on the date that the Turk Plant commences Commercial Operation,
SWEPCO will limit the Annual Capacity Factor of Welsh Unit 2 to no more than sixty (60)
percent.
25.
SWEPCO will seek all necessary regulatory approvals, and will permanently
retire Welsh Unit 2 by December 31, 2014, unless SPP has identified and approved transmission
mitigatioll measures that must be completed prior to the retirement of Welsh Unit 2 that have inservice dates beyond December 31, 2014, in which case SWEPCO will permanently retire Welsh
Unit 2 as soon as all required approvals have been issued and all necessary transmission
mitigation measures have been completed, but no later than December 31, 2016.
C.
Clean Energy Resources
26.
During the period from October 30, 2011 through December 31, 2014, SWEPCO
and its affiliates, including any entities that own an interest in any coal-fired generating unit
operated by SWEPCO or its affiliates iliat is located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma or Texas,
will construct or secure the energy from a total of 400 MW (nameplate rating) of new Clean
Energy Resources.
Power purchase agreements to secure the energy from Clean Energy
Resources shall have a minimum term of 20 years. Renewable Energy Certificates CRECs) or
other clean energy attributes from these resom'ces shall not be sold or transferred to any iliird
party, or used to meet any existing requirements for clean or renewable energy. Nothing in this
Consent Decree shall preclude SWEPCO from relying on investments made, or power purchases
contracted, pursuant to this Consent Decree to demonstrate compliance with, seek RECs for, or
otllerwise satisfy the requirements of or participate in any federal, state, or local statutory or
regulatmy programs related to Clean Energy Resources or climate change related requirements,
so long as those programs are promulgated after the effective date ofthis Consent Decree.
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27.
New wind projects developed to satisfy this commitment must be sited consistent
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Interim Guidance for minimizing impacts from wind
development on birds and wildlife, dated May 13, 2003, and be located outside of any Important
Bird
Areas
identified
the
by
National
Audubon
Society
(see
http://iba.audubon.orgliba/siteSearch.do) as of the date of this Consent Decree.
v.
TURK PLANT OPERATIONS
A.
Total PMlO Emission Rate
28.
SWEPCO shaH determine compliance with the Total PM IO Emission Rate
established in the Turk Air Permit via a stack test each year performed pursuant to the
requirements established in the Turk Air Pennit using the reference testing and monitoring
methods and procedures specified in 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Appendix A 1, Method 5 or Method 17
(filterable only), and Method 202 (condensable only), as of the Effective Date of this Consent
Decree. At its option, SWEPCO may use any method that is approved by EPA subsequent to the
Effective Date of this Consent Decree. Use of any palticular method shall confonn to the EPA
requirements specified in 40 C.F .R. Part 60, Appendix A, or any federally approved method
contained III the Arkansas SIP.
29.
SWEPCO will examine the Total PMIO Emission Rate measured during stack
tests peliormed within the first three years after commencement of Commercial Operation of the
Turk Plallt. Within 120 days after completion of the annual stack test required in the third yeal'
of Commercial Operation, SWEPCO shall evaluate the data to determine whether a lower Total
PMIO Emission Rate can be established pursuant to this Paragraph that would apply during
normal operation of the Turk Plant, without including periods of statt-up, shut down or
Malfunction. If the highest measured total PMIO Emission Rate measured during the stack tests
is 0.022 lb/MMBtu or higher, no lower Total PM IO Emission Rate will be established. If the
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highest measured Total PMIO Emission Rate is less than 0.022 Ib/MMBtu, SWEPCO shall
calculate a lower Total PMIO Emission Rate equal to the highest measured Total PM10 Emission
Rate plus one-half the difference between the highest measured Total PMIO Emission Rate and
0.025 Ib/MMBtu.
30.
If the highest measured value is lower than 0.022 Ib/MMBtu, SWEPCO shall
submit an application to ADEQ for an administrative permit amendment to include the lower
Total PMIO Emission Rate calculated in accordance with paragraph 29 as a separate requirement
in the Turk Air Permit that applies to the main boiler dUl'ing normal operations, but not during
periods of start-up, shut down, or malfunction. If ADEQ will not process the administrative
permit amendment to include the additional lower Total PMIO Emission Rate in the Turk Air
Permit through an administrative permit amendment without requiring public notice and
comment, SWEPCO will withdraw its application.
In any event, thereafter, SWEPCO will
continue to compare the results of the arumal Total PMIO emission stack tests against the value
calculated in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 29, and report that comparison and
the results of all annual compliance tests to ADEQ as part of the Title V repOlting process.
B.
PMCEMS
31.
By no later than December 31, 2014, SWEPCO shall install and operate a PM
CEMS on the main boiler at the Turk Plant. Notwithstanding the availability of this monitoring,
the methods for determining compliance with the PM emission lhnitations in the Turk Air Permit
(including any limit established pursuant to paragraph 30 of this Consent Decree) shall be based
on annual compliance stack tests. SWEPCO will furnish the data generated by the PM CEMs to
ADEQ upon request and operators may use the data to assist them in assessing the performance
ofthe PM emission control equipment.
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32.
Nothing in this Consent Decree is intended to, or shall, alter or waive any
applicable law (including but not limited to any defenses, entitlements, challenges, or
clarifications related to the Credible Evidence Rule, 62 Fed. Reg. 8314 (FeblUary 24, 1997»
concerning the use of data for any purpose under the Clean Air Act generated either by the
reference methods specified herein or otherwise.
C.
Wastewater Discharges
33.
Within the first full year of Commercial Operation of the Turk Plant, SWEPCO
will perfolm a second round of sampling and conduct a priority pollutant scan to confirm that the
wastewater quality discharged from Outfall 001 is consistent with the basis for the conditions
incorporated into the Turk NPDES Permit.
D.
Landfill Monitoring
34.
During the first four years after the Turk Plant commences Commercial
Operation, SWEPCO will perfOlm groundwater quality monitoring in accordance with the
requirements of the Turk Solid Waste Permit on a quarterly basis. Thereafter, the frequency of
groundwater monitoring shall be reduced to semi-rumual, consistent with the terms of the Turk
Solid Waste Pelmit, unless assessment monitoring requirements are triggered pursuant to Ark.
Reg. §22.l205.
35.
For ten yeru's following the closure of the Turk Plant landfill facility, SWEPCO
will conduct post-closure groundwater monitoring in accordance with the terms ofthe Turk Solid
Waste Permit and any post-closure monitoring plan approved by ADEQ. Prior to the termination
of this Consent Decree, SWEPCO will request a minor modification to its post-closure
monitoring plan and solid waste permit to incorporate this extended monitoring period in
accordance with Ark. Reg. § 22.308( d).
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E.
Solid Fuel Characteristics
36.
SWEPCO shall use coal sourced from
01'
that originated from mines within the
Powder River Basin, or sub-bituminous coal with similar sulfur characteristics ("Powder River
Basin Coal"), for its unit at the Turk Plant, provided there is no Force Majeure Event that
prevents SWEPCO, in whole or in part, from carrying out such obligation. If there is a Force
Majeure Event, SWEPCO shall not be considered to be in default hereunder for failure to utilize
Powder River Basin Coal for the duration of the Force Majeure Event. For purposes of this
paragraph, a "Force Majeure Event" means an event or circumstance which prevents SWEPCO
from pelforming its obligation to use Powder River Basin Coal that is not the result of
SWEPCO's intentional conduct or negligence and which by the exercise of conunercially
reasonable diligence, SWEPCO is unable to overcome or avoid. Force Majeure Event includes,
but is not limited to, an event or occurrence beyond the control of SWEPCO, such as without
limitation, acts of God, war, insU11'ection, riots, nuclear disaster, strikes, labor disputes, threats of
violence, terrorism, Powder River Basin Coal shortages, labor and material shortages, fires,
explosions, floods, river freeze-ups, tornados, breakdowns or damage to mines, plants,
equipment, or facilities, intell'uptions to or slowdowns in transportation, railcar shortages, barge
shortages, embargoes, orders or acts of civil or military authority, laws, regulations, or
administrative or judicial rulings, requirements of regional transmission operators, the North
American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
01'
01'
total
partial interruptions of SWEPCO's opemtions which are due to any enforcement action
01'
other administrative or judicial action arising from an environmental law or regulation. With
respect to the foregoing, SWEPCO shall not be required to accede to the demands of labor or
settle any strike or labor dispute to which it does not agree.
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F.
Future Trausmission Line Routing
37.
SWEPCO shall not site any future transmission lines associated with the Turk
Plant across the Nacatoches Ravines Natural Area, the Little River and Bois d'Arc Wildlife
Management Area, property currently owned by the Nature Conservancy within Hempstead
County, property currently owned by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission within
Hempstead County, property currently owned by the Hempstead County Hunting Club, which
includes the high ecological value Grassy Lake area, or along the Kiamichi Railroad in
Hempstead County.
Nothing in this paragraph is intended to affect SWEPCO's ability to
maintain or upgrade service along transmission line routes existing as of the date of this Consent
Decree.
VI.
ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS
A.
Mercury Study
38.
SWEPCO shall perform baseline mercury sampling to assess the conditions
existing prior to Commercial Operation of the Turk Plant, according to the Protocol set forth in
Exhibit MEH-7 submitted to the Arkansas Public Service Commission in Docket No. 06-154-U,
with the following modifications:
(a) To the extent that the Parties to this Consent Decree camlot provide or secure
reasonable access to the sampling locations identified in the Protocol, those
locations will be eliminated and suitable altemative representative locations to
which access can be gained will be sampled;
(b) Sampling times will be scheduled to assure sampling of the largest crosssection of species identified in the Protocol, and will be limited to one round of
pre-operational sampling;
(c) The study will consist of one round of pre-operational sampling only; no
sampling will be conducted after the Turk Plant cOJrunences Commercial
Operation;
(d)
The study results will be provided to representatives of Sierra Club and
Audubon Arkansas.
II
B.
Land Conservation and Energy Efficiency Projects
39.
By no later than December 31, 2012, SWEPCO will provide a lump sum for land
conservation and energy efficiency projects as follows:
(a) the sum of eight (8) million dollars will be provided to The Nature
Conservancy for purposes of land conservation in Arkansas;
(b) the sum of two (2) million dollars will be provided to the Arkansas
Community Foundation which will provide grants to support policy initiatives in
Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and/or Oklahoma to promote Clean Energy
Resources and energy efficiency measures, including but not limited to the
preparation of technical repOlts and presentation of expert evidence before the
state public utility regulatory bodies.
C.
Attorneys Fees
40.
Within ninety (90) days after Plaintiffs fulfill all of their obligations set forth in
At1icle VIII of this Consent Decree, SWEPCO will reimburse Plaintiffs the sum of two million
dollars ($2,000,000.00) for their reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the prosecution
of this action and other proceedings challenging the Turk Plant. Plaintiffs waive any claim for
fees or costs against the COE or the United State for recovery of attorneys' fees or costs incurred
in the prosecution of this action.
VII.
41.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Commencing on January 30 of the first year after the Effective Date of this
Consent Decree, and on January 30 of each year thereafter until Januaty 30, 2017, SWEPCO
shall provide a written report ("Report") to both Sierra Club and National Audubon Society
describing in na11'ative detail all actions taken by SWEPCO, its affiliates, contractors and
consultants to comply with each of SWEPCO's obligations, undertakings and requirements
("SWEPCO's Obligations") contained in Articles IV, V and VI of this Consent Decree during
the previous calendar year 01' portion thereof. Included in each RepOli, as applicable for the prior
12
calendar year, shall be the Annual Capacity Factor at Welsh Unit 2, the status of any
transmission mitigation measures required prior to the retirement of Welsh Unit 2, the amount of
Clean Energy Resources developed or placed in service in that year and the Annual Capacity
Factors achieved, any sampling or monitoring data, reports, permit applications, updated plans,
or other infonnation submitted to ADEQ to satisfy the terms of this Consent Decree, and the
status of the Mercury Study. Sierra Club and National Audubon Society may jointly or
individually submit to SWEPCO written questions or requests for additional information
regarding SWEPCO's performance under this Consent Decree, to which SWEPCO shall respond
within forty-five (45) calendar days ofthe date of receipt of such questions or requests. Nothing
in this Paragraph shall be construed to require the submission of SWEPCO's Confidential
Business Information to the Plaintiffs, or to require the duplication of records submitted by
SWEPCO to ADEQ.
VIII. RESOLUTION OF CLAIMS
42.
Entry of this Consent Decree shall resolve any and all claims of Plaintiffs under
NEPA, the CWA, or the APA relating to the COE Permit and any actions taken by SWEPCO at
the Turk Plant prior to the Effective Date, including but not limited to those claims and actions
alleged or that could have been alleged in this action. Upon Entry of this Consent Decree the
preliminary injunction issued in this action shall be dissolved and this Consent Decree shall
constitute the final judgment among the Parties.
43.
Upon entry of this Consent Decree Plaintiffs release all claims related to
pollutants regtllated under any existing pennits issued for the Turk Plant that could have been
alleged in a challenge to those permits, and any modifications or permit amendments necessary
to implement the provisions of this Consent Decree. This release specifically excludes any
13
action to enjoin, limit, or condition the use of the Kiamichi Railroad to supply coal to the Turk
Plant.
44.
Upon lodging of this Consent Decree with the Court, Plaintiffs and SWEPCO
shaH notify the courts and administrative agencies before which any challenges are pending that
affect any existing permits issued to the Turk Plant, or before which any claims that additional
authorizations are required are pending, that a pending settlement of the claims asserted in those
proceedings has been reached, and, if appropriate, request a stay of fUliher proceedings in those
forums. These notifications shaH include, but not be limited to:
(a) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(b) the Arkansas Public Service Commission
(c) the Arkansas Appellate Courts
(d) the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission
45.
Within five (5) business days of the Effective Date of this Consent Decree,
Plaintiffs shall withdraw or dismiss with prejudice their claims in the following pending
proceedings:
(a) Petition for Veto of Title V Operating Pelmit No. AR-2l23-AOP-RO
(b) APSC Docket No. 11-154-C
(c) Case No. CA-II-466
(d) APCEC Docket No. 1l-014-P
(e) Texas PUeT Docket No. 39-708
and any other pending matters challenging any permit, approval, or authorization for tile
construction of the Tm'k Plant.
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46.
Plaintiffs covenant not to file or prosecute any administrative or judicial actions
opposing the issuance of any permits or authorizations necessary to complete construction and
commence Commercial Operation of the Turk Plant, including any modifications necessary to
confOlm the existing permits to the constructed facility, provided that such modifications do not
increase the emission rate, discharge rate, or total emissions or mass of pollutants discharged
beyond the limits contained in any existing permit.
47.
Plaintiffs further covenant not to file or prosecute any administrative or judicial
actions opposing the issuance of any permits, licenses, authorizations, or other approvals
necessary to implement the terms of this Consent Decree, or opposing such other orders, permits,
licenses, or approvals that may be required to recover the costs of implementing this Consent
Decree through wholesale or retail rates.
48.
Plaintiffs covenant not to file or prosecute any administrative or judicial actions
challenging the recovery of the costs of the Turk Plant through wholesale or retail rates,
itlcluding any decision by SWEPCO to include the Turk Plant in rate base for Arkansas
customers.
IX.
49.
FORCE MAJEURE
For purposes of this Consent Decree, a "Force Majeure Event" shall mean an
event that has been or will be caused by circumstances beyond the control of SWEPCO or any
entity controlled by SWEPCO that delays or impedes compliance with any provision of this
Consent Decree or otherwise causes a violation of any provision of this Consent Decree despite
SWEPCO's reasonable efforts to fulfill the obligation.
"Reasonable efforts to fulfill the
obligation" include using reasonable efforts to anticipate any potential Force Majeure Event and
to address the effects of any such event (a) as it is occurring and (b) after it has occun'ed, such
that the delay or violation is minimized to the greatest extent possible.
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50.
If any event occurs or has occurred that may delay compliance with or otherwise
cause a violation of any obligation under this Consent Decree, as to which SWEPCO intends to
assert a claim of Force Majeure, SWEPCO shall notify Plaintiffs in writing as soon as
practicable, but in no event later than twenty-one (21) days following the date that the SWEPCO
first knew of the event or by the exercise of due diligence should have known, that the event
caused or may cause such delay or violation. In this notice, SWEPCO shall reference tlus
Paragraph of this Consent Decree and describe the anticipated length of time that the delay or
violation may persist, the cause or causes of the delay or violation, all measures taken or to be
taken by SWEPCO to prevent or minimize the delay or violation, the schedule by which
SWEPCO proposes to implement those measures, and SWEPCO's rationale for attributing a
delay or violation to a Force Majeure Event. SWEPCO shall adopt all reasonable measures to
avoid or minimize such delays or violations.
51.
If SWEPCO materially fails to comply with the notice requirements of this
Section, the Plaintiffs may dispute the validity of SWEPCO's claim for Force Majeure as to the
specific event for which SWEPCO failed to comply with such notice requirement.
52.
The Plaintiffs shall respond to SWEPCO in writing regarding SWEPCO's claim
of Force Majeure within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the notice provided under the
preceding Paragraph. If the Plaintiffs agree that a delay in performance has been or will be
caused by a Force Majeure Event, the Parties shall stipulate to an extension of deadline(s) for
performance of the affected compliance requirement(s) by a period equal to the delay actually
caused by the event. In such circumstances, an appropriate modification shall be made pursuant
to Article XIV (Modification) ofthis Consent Decree.
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53.
If the Plaintiffs do not accept SWEPCO's claim of Force Majeure, or if the
Parties Calliot agree on the length of the delay actually caused by the Force Majeure Event, or
the extent of relief required to address the delay actually caused by the Force Majeure Event, the
matter shall be resolved in accordance with Article X (Dispute Resolution) of this Consent
Decree.
54.
In any dispute regal'ding Force Majeure, the burden of proof shall be determined
in accordance with Arkansas law.
55.
Unanticipated or increased costs or expenses associated with the performance of
SWEPCO's obligations under this Consent Decree shall not constitute a Force Majeure Event.
56.
The Parties agree that, depending upon the circumstances related to an event and
SWEPCO's response to such circumstances, the kinds of events listed below are among those
that could qualify as Force Majeure Events within the meaning of this Section: construction,
labor, or equipment delays; Malfunction of a Unit or emission control device; fuel supply
intenuption; acts of God; acts of war or terrorism; and orders by a court, a government official,
government agency, or other regulatory body acting under and authorized by applicable law that
directs SWEPCO to operate the Turk Plant 01' Welsh Unit 2 in response to a systemwide
(~tate
wide or regional for the region that includes these units) Generation Emergency. Depending
upon the circumstances and SWEPCO's response to such circumstances, failure of a federal,
state or local agency or commission to issue a necessary permit, license, approval or order may
constitute a Force Majeure Event where the failure of the authority to act is beyond the control
of SWEPCO and SWEPCO has taken all reasonable steps to obtain the necessary permit, license,
approval 01' order.
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57.
As part of the resolution of any matter submitted to this Court under Article X
(Dispute Resolution) of this Consent Decree regarding a claim of Force Majeure, the Parties by
agreement, or this Comt by order, may in appropriate circumstances extend or modify the
schedule for completion of work under this Consent Decree to account for the delay in the work
that occurred as a result of any delay agreed to by Plaintiffs or approved by the Court or excuse
non-compliance with any other requirement of this Consent Decree attributable to a Force
Majeure event.
X.
58.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The dispute resolution procedure provided by this Section shall be available to
resolve all disputes arising under this Consent Decree, including any alleged breach of this
Consent Decree by one of the Parties.
59.
The dispute resolution procedure required herein shall be invoked by one party
giving written notice to the other party advising of a dispute pursuant to this Section within thirty
(30) days of discovery of an area of dispute. The notice shall describe the nature of the dispute
and shall state the noticing palty's position with regard to such dispute. The party receiving such
a notice shall acknowledge receipt of the notice, and the Parties shall expeditiously schedule a
meeting or telephone conference to discuss the dispute informally not later than fourteen (14)
days following receipt of such notice.
60.
Disputes submitted to dispute resolution under this Section shall, in the first
instance, be the subject of informal negotiations among the Parties. Such period of inf0l11lal
negotiations shall extend for thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the first meeting among
the disputing Parties' representatives, unless they agree in writing to shOlten or extend this
period. During the inf0l11lal negotiations period, the Parties may also submit their dispute to a
mutually-agreed-upon alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") forum if the Patties agree that the
18
ADR activities can be completed within the 30-day informal negotiations period (or such longer
period as the Parties may agree to in writing).
61.
If the Pa11ies are unable to resolve the dispute through the informal process
described above, the disputing pa11y waives its rights to further dispute the issue unless it files a
petition or other filing with the Court describing the dispute and serves it on the other Parties
within sixty (60) days after the informal resolution period ends. The other party shall have f011Yfive (45) days after the receipt of the petition to file and serve a written response. The filing
party will then have fifteen (15) days to flle a reply.
62.
As pa11 of the resolution of any dispute under this Section, in appropriate
circumstances the Pa11ies by agreement, or this Court by order, may extend
01'
modify the
schedule for the completion of the activities required under this Consent Decree to account for
the delay that OCCUlTed as a result of dispute resolution or may eXC"llSe non-compliance with any
other requirement of this Consent Decree due to a Force Majeure Event. SWEPCO shall not be
precluded from asserting that a Force Majeure Event has caused or may cause a delay in
complying with the extended or modified schedule or has resulted in non-compliance with any
other requirement of this Consent Decree, except as otherwise provided for in this Consent
Decree.
63.
The Parties' sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this Agreement shall be an
action for specific performance or injunction. In no event shall any Pa11y be entitled to monetary
damages for breach of this Agreement.
XI.
64.
NOTICES
Unless otherwise provided herein, whenever notifications, submissions, or
communications are required by this Consent Decree, they shall be made in writing and
addressed as follows:
19
As to Plaintiffs:
Joanne Spalding
Senior Managing Attorney
Sierra Club
85 Second Street, Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Lorraine A. Sciarra
Vice President and General Counsel
The National Audubon Society
225 Varick Street
NewYork,NY 10014
As to SWEPCO:
Venita McCellon-Allen, President
Southwestern Electric Power Company
428 Travis
Shreveport, LA 71101
With a copy to:
Janet J. Henry, Legal Department
American Electric Power Service Corporation
1 Riverside Plaza
Columbus, Oh 43215
65.
All notifications, communications or submissions made pursuant to this Section
shall be sent either by: (a) overnight mail or delivery service; (b) celtified or registered mail,
return receipt requested; or (c) electronic transmission, provided the receiving party
acknowledges receipt, and unless the recipient is not able to review the transmission in electronic
form. All notifications, communications and transmissions (a) sent by overnight, certified or
registered mail shall be deemed submitted on the date they are postmarked, or (b) sent by
overnight delivery service shall be deemed submitted on the date they are delivered to the
delivery service. All notifications, communications, and submissions made by electronic means
20
shall be electronically signed, and shall be deemed submitted on the date that sender receives
written or electronic acknowledgment of receipt of snch transmission.
66.
Any patty may change either the notice recipient or the address for providing
notices to it by serving the other Parties with a notice setting forth such new notice recipient or
address.
XII.
67.
EFFECTIVE DATE
The effective date of this Consent Decree shall be the date npon which this
Consent Decree is entered by the COU1t. The Parties consent to entry of this Consent Decree
without TIuther notice.
XIII. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION
68.
The COUlt shall retain jurisdiction over Plaintiffs and SWEPCO and the subject
matter of this Consent Decree after the Effective Date for purposes of enabling Plaintiffs and
SWEPCO to apply to the Court for snch furtiler orders, direction, or relief as may be necessary to
implement, interpret, modify and enforce the terms and conditions ofthe Consent Decree, and to
resolve disputes under Atticle X (Dispute Resolution) until termination of the Decree.
XIV. MODIFICATION
69.
Except as provided in Paragraph 62, the terms of this Consent Decree may be
modified only by a subsequent written agreement signed by the Patties. Where the modification
constitutes a material change to any term of this Consent Decree, it shall be effective only upon
approval by the COUlt.
XV.
70.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
This Consent Decree is not a permit. Compliance with the terms of this Consent
Decree does not guarantee compliance with all applicable federal, state, or local laws or
21
regulations. The emission rates set fOlth herein do not relieve Owners from any obligation to
comply with other state and federal requirements.
71.
Every term expressly defined by this Consent Decree shall have the meaning
given to that term by this Consent Decree.
72.
All references in this Consent Decree to statutory or regulatory provisions by
specific citation shall refer to the language of those provisions as they exist on the date of
lodging of this Consent Decree.
73.
Emissions limits and other quantitative standards set by or under this Consent
Decree must be met to the number of significant digits in which the standard or limit is
expressed.
74.
This Consent Decree does not limit, enlarge or affect the rights of allY party to this
Consent Decree as against any third parties.
75.
This Consent Decree constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement and
understanding between the Parties with respect to the settlement embodied in this Consent
Decree, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties related to
the subject matter herein. No document, representation, inducement, agreement, understanding,
or promise constitutes any part of this Consent Decree or the settlement it represents, nor shall
they be used in construing the terms of this Consent Decree.
XVI. SIGNATORIES AND SERVICE
76.
Each undersigned representative of tile Parties certifies that he or she is fully
authorized to enter into the terms and conditions of this Consent Decree and to execute and
legally bind to this document the Party he or she represents.
77.
This Consent Decree may be signed in counterparts, and such counterpart
signature pages shall be given full force and effect.
22
XVII. TERMINATION OF ENFORCEMENT UNDER DECREE
78.
This Consent Decree shall remain an enforceable order of the Court until the
Parties agree, or the Court determines in response to a petition by a Party, that (a) the substantive
requirements of the Decree have been satisfied, and (b) any applicable permits with respect to
those substantive requirements have been obtained by SWEPCO. The Parties agree that each of
the obligations contained in this Consent Decree may be telminated independently of the other
obligations upon a demonstration that the obligation has been fulfilled and, to the extent required
herein, that obligation has been incorporated into the Turk Air Permit or the Turk Solid Waste
Permit.
XVIII. FINAL JUDGMENT
79.
Upon approval and entry of this Consent Decree by the Court, this Consent
Decree shall constitute a final judgment in the above-captioned matter, and the preliminary
injunction shall be dissolved.
SO ORDERED, THIS _ _ _ DAY OF _ _ _ _ _ _-',2011.
22nd
December
s/ Richard G. Kopf
THE HONORABLE RIel-lARD G. KOPF
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
23
Signature Page for Consent Decree in:
Sierra Club, et aI.,
v.
The
u.s. Army Corps oj Engineers, et ai., No. 4:10-cv-04017 (W.D. Arkansas)
FOR PLAINTIFF SIERRA CLUB:
Bruce Illes
Senior Director
Beyond Coal Campaign
Sierra Club
Ri hard H. Mays
C unsel for Sierra Club
24
Signature Page for Consel1t Decree in:
Sierra Club, et al.,
v.
The U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, el aI., No.4: 1O-cv-04017 (W.D. Arkansas)
FOR PLAINTIFF TI-IB NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY:
\~awfZ/
President and Chief Executive Officer·
The National Audubon Society
25
Signature Page for Consent Decree in:
Sierra Club, et al.,
v.
I
The
us. Army Corps ofEngineers, et al., No. 4:10-cv-04017 (W.D. Arkansas)
.
,
FOR INTERVENOR-DEfENDANT SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY:
Michael G. Morris
Chairman ofthe
Southwestern Electric Power Company
26
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