The future of Kirkwood’s diesel power plant may be decided this month.

The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District will hear an appeal of the construction permit on July 16 at 10:30am in Markleeville.

SMART Energy Group contends the area that encompasses Alpine, El Dorado and Amador counties should be using natural gas.

The Great Basin district on May 24 approved a six-diesel generator plant to replace the portable ones that have been used since the beginning of the year when a fire destroyed the resort’s power plant. The power fuels the residential and commercial areas of Kirkwood as well as the ski resort.

— Compiled by Kathryn Reed