Hearing on Turk plant end; no ruling yet

Work continues at the $1.6 billon John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant in Fulton, Ark. Three environmental organizations filed a federal injunction to stop the coal-fired plant's construction. Area residents said stopping the construction would be a major setback for the area, as most businesses have seen an increase in customers, dollars and progress in the area.
Work continues at the $1.6 billon John W. Turk, Jr. Power Plant in Fulton, Ark. Three environmental organizations filed a federal injunction to stop the coal-fired plant's construction. Area residents said stopping the construction would be a major setback for the area, as most businesses have seen an increase in customers, dollars and progress in the area.

The federal court hearing on an attempt to halt construction of a $1.7 billion coal-fired electric plant has concluded, but the judge has not ruled.

Environmentalists want U.S. District Judge William R. Wilson Jr. to issue an injunction based on the threat of environmental damage that construction and operation of the plant may cause.

Wilson has told the sides to submit documents that set forth their cases by Oct. 6. Rebuttals are due Oct. 12. Wilson did not say when he would rule.

The lawsuit is one of the last impediments to finishing the SWEPCO plant, which the utility says may come on line in 2012.

SWEPCO says the environmental groups have not proven that the plant has done harm or would damage environmentally sensitive areas around the plant site in Hempstead County.

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