TAMPA, Fla. — As the secretary-general of the United Nations calls on governments to cut back on coal and greenhouse emissions, people living near Tampa Electric's coal-burning plant in Gibsonton say they've been pushing TECO on this for years.
“There's an opportunity for TECO to do the right thing,” said Ella Coffee, a former neighbor. “They have other plants that are not putting these poisons into the air … be good neighbors,” she said.
Coffee lived not far from the plant until she was diagnosed with cancer last year. She said she believes the air pollutants contributed to the onset of her illness.
"I absolutely think there is some correlation from the pollution coming from the plant,” she said.
David Jeter also lives in the area and said when he works at a nearby park selling summer refreshments, he notices the pollution.
“I can come home and clean my nose and there will be black residue inside my nostrils,” he said. "I know that it's probably not good for me, but what choice do we have? We have to have power."
TECO says it is planning to retire one of its coal-fired units, which will reduce coal emissions at this site by 50 percent in 2021. Greenhouse emissions are expected to drop as well.
However, doctors warn that air pollutants and other environmental factors can still pose a risk to those living nearby.
"Air pollutants, of which ... pollution from coal-powered plants is one ... those do contribute to a number of diseases including cancer,” said Dr. Alexander Engelman, medical director of Premier Radiation Oncology.
Although the exact cause of cancer is hard to pinpoint, Coffee says it's important to keep working with TECO toward solutions.
"Have the conversation with us, TECO. Let's look at what some of those options are that's going to be good for the community and for your shareholders,” she said.
EPA records show TECO's Big Bend Station passed emissions tests for hydrocarbons and particulate matter earlier this year.
TECO says it's working on other energy solutions as well. The company is more than halfway through a project to add 6 million new solar panels to the area by 2021. This is currently enough to power 60,000 homes.
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com
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