The proposed 45-megawatt, $150-million plant at 1000 Page Blvd. would burn an average of 1,184 tons of green wood chips per day to create electricity.
05.16.2011 | SPRINGFIELD - William W. Gibson, spokesman for Stop Toxic Incineraton in Springfield, shows off all the names of local companies that are against the building of a proposed biomass plant. The event took place at Mom & Rico's in Springfield.SPRINGFIELD – Opponents of a biomass energy plant in the East Springfield neighborhood unveiled a petition signed by 170 businesses opposing the plant Monday, one day before a City Council vote that could rescind or amend the plant’s permits.
“Responsible development is green,” said William W. Gibson, a building contractor and member of Stop Toxic Incineration Springfield. “It’s not a dirty smokestack.”
He said the planned biomass plant could hurt small business here.
“People won’t want to come to a dirty city,” he said during news conference at Mom & Rico’s, 899 Main Street, one of the businesses that signed the petition. The 45-megawatt, $150-million plant at 1000 Page Blvd., at Cadwell Drive, would burn an average of 1,184 tons of green wood chips per day to create electricity.
The developers, Palmer Renewable Energy and Palmer Paving Corp., say 200 construction jobs and 50 well-paid full-time operation jobs, along with significant new tax revenue to Springfield. David J. Callahan, president of Palmer Renewable Energy, said Monday he’s made the benefits of this project well known repeatedly.
The company has also committed $2 million to address current health issues in Springfield, and more than $1 million in annual payments in lieu of taxes.
The plant will have a 275-foot high stack to disperse the smoke, developers have said. The plant will also have advanced air-cleaning equipment.
Even if Palmer keeps its permit, which was granted in 2008, it will need approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection to begin construction.
But the asthma rate in Springfield is twice the statewide average, and Hampden County has received failing grade for air quality from the American Lung Association, said Sylvia Broude, organizing director for the Toxics Action Center, a Boston-based group that has opposed not just this biomass plant but ones proposed for Russell and Greenfield as well.
The opposition also includes various health organizations including the American Lung Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition.
Gibson said when he canvassed businesses with petitions, he said he heard the sentiment that Springfield ends up being the “dumping ground” for projects no one else wants.
His group of opponents will rally at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in front of City Hall. The Council special meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Stop Toxic Incineration in Springfield Business Endorsements