MidHudsonNews [dot] com is reporting concerns have surfaced about proposed upgrades to the Danskammer power plant in Newburgh, which would burn fracked gas to generate electricity. The project is estimated to create nearly 100 jobs, at the same time it would add health and environmental hazards for the Newburgh area, which is currently dealing with a contaminated water problem. The new plant would operate almost every hour, compared to the existing plant, which runs less than five percent of the time. Concerns about the plan were raised during a forum held as part of the Rise for Climate, Jobs and Justice global day of action, September 8. Speakers at the event included Tim Guinee, of the Climate Reality Project, Hayley Carlock with Scenic Hudson; Manna Jo Greene of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay. The Danskammer plant was built more than 60 years ago by the Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation. In 2009, it was among the top 10 polluters in New York by weight, releasing 1.4 million pounds of hazardous material into Newburgh’s air, land and water, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The plant has been the target of a prolonged environmental lawsuit over its cooling system. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.