The Duke Marshall Public Hearing held on November 19, 2024, by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) focused on significant health concerns related to a proposed draft permit for a local plant. Community members expressed strong opposition, citing serious risks to public health and well-being due to increased emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lead.

During the meeting, speakers highlighted the potential adverse health impacts of these pollutants, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children. Concerns were raised about the effects on reproductive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, with specific emphasis on the risk of neurological damage in children, which could lead to behavioral problems and learning deficiencies.

Additionally, the draft permit was criticized for lacking adequate monitoring provisions for these dangerous pollutants. Community members urged the DEQ to deny the current application or, at the very least, to establish a clear timeline for the retirement of the coal unit and to implement more robust air monitoring conditions.

Another speaker, Sheena Romasco, pointed out discrepancies in the emissions data, noting that predictive models indicated emission levels exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds. She questioned the rationale behind considering the proposed project when real-life data from similar facilities showed emissions well beyond acceptable limits.

The meeting underscored the community's concerns about environmental safety and public health, prompting calls for stricter regulations and oversight. The DEQ's response to these concerns will be crucial in determining the future of the proposed project and its impact on local residents.