Bucks-area neighbors question proposed natural gas plant, carbon capture facility

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A proposed energy development in north Mobile County is raising questions for some people who live near the community of Bucks. The company behind the project says it plans to build a natural gas power plant and a carbon capture facility.

Some neighbors say they are just now learning about the plans and want to know what the project could mean for their community.

Residents question letters

Lacey Chestang, who lives in northern Mobile County, contacted reporter Jordyn Lassiter through a Facebook message about letters neighbors received on the proposed development near their homes.

Chestang said some residents received the letters and others, including Chestang, did not. She said the letter outlines the company’s plans but does not give her a clear picture of what the development could mean for people who live in the area.

“We have a lot of questions on that. The letter, to me, the letter used a lot of big words that doesn’t explain exactly like what impacts it will have on the environment or the animals or even, you know, just basic plants here in the area,” Chestang said.

Project details

The letters come from Tenaska, a company developing what it calls the Longleaf Energy Hub near Bucks, Alabama. The project would include a natural gas-fueled power plant and a carbon capture and storage facility.

Tenaska says the plant could generate up to 750 megawatts, enough to power approximately 750,000 homes.

Tenaska says the proposed power plant would sit on about 50 acres of a 520-acre site. The company says the site has access to natural gas, water and existing power transmission infrastructure.

Concerns along Henry Davis and Weaver roads

For people living along Henry Davis and Weaver roads, the announcement has left some wondering what is planned near their homes.

“Well, it’s kind of been a shocker because our road, which is Henry Davis and Weaver, is kind of like a residential road. So it’s rural. So it’s going to bring in a lot of traffic and I look at a lot of issues going to be with it,” Chestang said.

Chestang said residents also want to know exactly where the facilities will be built.

Permits and next steps

Tenaska says the project still needs multiple local, state and federal permits before it can move forward, including air and water permits.

Chestang said residents want to know more about the potential impacts and whether they still have a say in what happens next.

“That’s what’s got us all kind of confused and just a little bit worried because it seems like there’s a lot coming in here, but they’re trying to make it sound like it’s going to be beneficial to our area. And I just, they’re going to have to explain that really well to us,” Chestang said.

Informational meeting

Residents can ask questions during an informational meeting Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. at the Turnerville Volunteer Fire Department building. An RSVP is required to attend. RSVP to Jessica James at community@longleafccs.com by November 13.