PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Concerns about air pollution in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have slowed a decision on a permit for one of 18 proposed power plants in Kentucky.

        Park representatives fear that pollution from the Kentucky Mountain Power generating plant at Potato Knob would travel about 110 miles and increase haze in the Smokies.

        John Hornback, director of the Kentucky Division for Air Quality, said investigators still are trying to determine the extent to which the Potato Knob plant would affect the park.

        The plant, which would be at the convergence of Knott, Perry and Breathitt counties, is one of 10 being considered for operating permits in Kentucky. Eight others have been approved over the past year and are under construction.

        Jim Renfro, air quality specialist for the national park, said an analysis by the National Park Service found that emissions from Potato Knob could reduce visibility in the Smokies an additional 5 percent.

        “There are still a lot of people who don't realize how dire the situation is in the park,” said Don Barger, regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Visibility that was traditionally 93 miles is now 25 miles.”

        John Tate, vice president of EnviroPower, parent of Kentucky Mountain Power, declined to comment on the permit issue.

        Residents say environmental concerns need to be laid aside in the interest of jobs.

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