By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-968995.mp3
Springfield, MA – This is a key week for one of the three Biomass power plants proposed in Western Massachusetts. The city council in Springfield has scheduled a public hearing to consider revoking the special permit that it granted the project in 2008. WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
On the eve of the hearing, opponents of the 150 million dollar wood burning energy plant argued that it would not only pollute the air, but would also harm Springfield's business climate. They announced the delivery of over 170 letters from Springfield business owners to the city council calling for the revocation of the special permit for the controversial project. Bill Gibson, who owns Gibson Contracting said the biomass plant would negatively impact Springfield's image.
Gibson said he helped to canvass fellow business owners over the last three weeks on behalf of the biomass plant opposition.
The developer of the 35 megawatt power plant, Palmer Renewable Energy, has touted its economic benefits, including an estimated 200 construction jobs, 50 full time jobs once the plant is operational, and a big boost to the city's property tax base.
Opponents of the biomass project contend the city council is within its legal rights to reconsider the special permit that was approved in 2008 because details of the project have changed significantly since then. Palmer Renewable Energy disagrees and has threatened a lawsuit if the council votes to rescind the permit.
Sylvia Brode, an organizer with the Toxics Action Center, an environmental lobby, says the Patrick administration has backed away from its financial support for biomass projects, and the Springfield City Council should back away too.
Consultants hired by the developer say the plant, which will burn 12 hundred tons of green wood chips perday, will have an insignificant impact on air quality.
Bill Miller of the group, Stop Toxic Incineration in Springfield, points out that the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Lung Association and the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coaltion have all come out against the project..
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection is weighing a decision on the final environmental permit the Springfield project needs. Other biomass projects have been proposed in Russell and Greenfield.