• Originally published July 7, 2010 at 2:46 p.m., updated July 7, 2010 at 2:46 p.m.

During a presentation I made to the Palacios Chamber of Commerce, on birds/birding/the Christmas Bird Count, I became aware of the fact that we, as Matagorda County/mid-coast-of-Texas citizens, have some choices to make. It's kind of like the Redi-Whip commercial on TV...."do you want oil or cream?"

One of the main reasons we count so many birds, during the annual Christmas Bird Count, is because our habitat is great for birds.. Lots of trees in the Columbia Bottomland hardwood areas, (by the river), lots of wetlands and prairies. Alongside the woods, wetlands and prairies are waterways, Colorado River included, teeming with clean fish and invertebrates available for bird food.

We know, from some scientific studies, that when mercury is introduced into the aquatic food chain, it accumulates, (called "bioaccumulation"), in some shellfish, invertebrates (shrimp, crab), and fish. Birds that eat these contaminated organisms are similar to those in the Gulf that are eating oil contaminated fish. Since they'll eat more than one organism, mercury and other contaminants, "biomagnify" or build up in their systems. Birds that eat this contaminated food get sick, some even die.

So we have the choice of allowing mercury contamination, from the White Stallion Energy Center, to enter the Colorado River and Matagorda Bay food chains and webs, or just saying "no", and continue to boast as being a birding/ecotourism destination. Do we want polluted/contaminated habitat and wildlife or clean habitats that sustain our wildlife? Do we want to eat contaminated fish, breathe contaminated air, or feel confident that the fish we eat, the air we breathe will be healthful and clean?

On several occasions, during presentations, I have asked Mr. Bird, CEO of White Stallion Energy Center, if the plant design is clean enough to "pass" an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). In other words, could they provide the federal and state governments, (and local citizens), with evidence that their plant will not harm the environment. Some entities, including the Port Authority of Bay City, have passed resolutions requesting that White Stallion be required to submit an EIS. The literature, the folks from White Stallion Energy Center pass out, indicates that their plant will not harm anything. If that is so, why don't they voluntarily produce an EIS?

If you would like more information about coal plant concerns,please visit the following website: www.nocoalcoalition. org.

Cathy Wakefield

2220 CR 312

Palacios, Texas

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