Alexandria Pushes to Shut Mirant

Yesterday, Mirant officials accused the city, which had tried to withdraw its use permits, of trying to block legitimate pollution control efforts.

"If they really wanted to reduce emissions, they'd be helping us," Williams said. "But they don't care about emissions. They want the plant gone. It's tacky. They don't want to look at it. But that's not how it works."

Officials with Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality said they are examining the data provided by Mirant and will continue to monitor the plant. "We do know they can make some improvement with trona and low-sulfur coal and other steps they're looking at," said DEQ spokesman Bill Hayden. "What we don't know is how much of an improvement it will be. That's where we are, waiting to see how effective their steps will be as they resume operations."

Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration approved Mirant's request to raise the height of its stacks by 50 feet to dilute the amount of pollution that filters earthward. Mirant officials said that adjustment, which could cost tens of millions of dollars, is being "strongly considered."

"We'll seek to do whatever is necessary," Williams said. "That's what we want to do. That's what we thought everyone wanted us to do."

City officials might have felt that way at one time but no longer. They said yesterday they simply want the plant shuttered.

"Whether it's trona or some other process [that's used], the risk to citizens should not continue," Euille said.

"We're fighting them on every level we can," said Vice Mayor Redella S. "Del" Pepper (D). "We don't want them here."