A coal plant proposal for southwest Georgia faces a setback after environmentalists called for more scrutiny.

Environmentalists sued over the Early County coal plant’s air permit, saying the Environmental Protection Division didn’t follow proper procedure.

By law, the EPD is required to inform the public of permit changes. It put out public notice in 2009 for some amendments, but the amendments issued a year later were different.

The EPD conceded, saying it would seek public comment on the new changes. That concession led the judge to dismiss the environmentalists’ lawsuit.

Justine Thompson is with the plaintiff Green Law. "It’s one of the largest new pollution sources in Georgia in decades and the public is going to get an opportunity to make sure it’s done right."

The EPD says public comment started Wednesday and it will hold a public hearing in Early County on July 1st.

Tags: Georgia, Early County, green law, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, EPD, coal plants