Billerica Power Plant
April 28, 2008
As a town, you want to have businesses move in to provide jobs, and to pay taxes. The best senerio is to have a business that pays a lot of taxes but has little impact on the community. This power plant seems to be a perfect tenant. In fact, you probably won’t even see a car at it.
On the flip side, we do have residents that live near there and they are concerned with soot and potentionally poisonous vapors being sent into the air, out a smokestack. How will it effect them and their children? The power company says it’s safe. Agent orange was safe too, wasn’t it? Once this is built, there will be nothing we can do about it. How do you feel about it ?
Posted by Jimmy
Filed in News Stories, Uncategorized
This is a tough call. If I lived near there, I wouldn’t want it. Since there are families like mine that live near there, I’d have to support their cause. I’m not willing to say sorry 20 years from now!
I don’t feel good about it. I attended the Selectman’s mtg on 10/15/07 as well as the general forum on 4/17/08. The answers (when there were any) given to citizens’ questions were vague and unquantified. Many times the answer was simply, “I don’t know.”
My particular concerns:
(1) The plant needs 40 million gallons water/year & we’re already under a mandatory water ban as of 5/1/08. I don’t agree with the proposed solution that money will be given to the town to upgrade home toilets & water fixtures to help us concerve water. (What about those of us who’ve already done that?)
(2) The carbon output for the town will DOUBLE with the plant thus futher endangering those with allergies, asthma & other respiratory issues and yet they have no metrics to give us on this issue.
(3) Regardless of what we agree to, once operational a plant’s dimensions & run-time can be easily changed with a simple request to the state, and they can change the fuel source at any time without consultating anyone.
(4) No assessments have been made to date on health impact (e.g., how many additional deaths per 1000 can we expect from what causes), water pollution possibilities (450 tons of pollution will heat up the river cuasing massive algae blooms), noise (they promise no more than 45db but testing at other DG sites after installation has been 90-100db), and smell (air inversions & certain wind directions already bring the stench of Baker Commodities & the waste treatment plants into our Garden District homes).
(5) The service area seems to have changed. In Oct 07, we were told it would serve peak time for CT, NY and NJ; in Apr 08, we heard the power is for our area – is that “only”?
(6) The town will be liable for impacts to all abutting towns – can we afford that? What about resolving health issues that arise – will there be a big fight about who’s to blame & who will pay for solutions?
(7) What recourse do the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods have if they choose to move? Potential buyers, especially in this community, will be rare indeed.
Finally, the town never registered with the state for the right to legally object to the plant (whether or not this was done purposefully is not as important as the fact the answer to every question on the lines of, “Who has the power to stop this, and how do we do it?” was met with a disingenous, “We really don’t know what the process is – it’s run by the state.” The town should be advocates for its citizens, in my opinion, and this opportunity has, sadly, been missed.
As I see it, the town will most probably have to make a significant investment to counteract the adverse affects to our air, water, noise & smell levels. Since there are so many other unpopulated areas close by, why not pick one of those instead of putting a plant in our community?
First of all, I live in the area where the plant is to be built, near the outskirts bordering Tewksbury and Lowell. The whole point of the plant is to provide energy during peak electric demand during hot summer afternoons and cold winter nights.
The environmental and health issues this plant will create aren’t worth the extra energy. The plant’s proximity to the Concord River is extremely dangerous. Apparently it is less than 1000 feet away. All the CO2 could plague Billerica. The traffic on Billerica Avenue on work mornings are enough as it is.
I’m not sure what other chemicals would be used, but the 24,000 gallons of Ammonia poses an obvious health risk. The plant is supposed to displace some 180,000 gallons of water per day into the Concord.
Now I propose a simple start to the solution. Conserve our energy during periods of “peak demand.” I know that one situation is summer. AC systems are comforting nonetheless, but some families leave it running 24/7. Having it run in increments of 1 hour or 30 minutes could save a family double the amount they pay currently. The same goes for the winter season. Turn the thermostat down a couple degrees, and bundle up. I prefer the coziness of a sweater.
Whoever approved this plant is certainly not a resident neighboring the plant’s proposed building site.
For the sake of Billerica and its surrounding communities. Stop the power plant.
I can not agree more. These are just the icing on the cake I say look into other, better, and safer ways of making better power choices.
How about displaying this event
A REMINDER MARK YOUR CALENDER :
FOR TUESDAY NIGHT JUNE 3RD FOR ALL THE UPDATED PROGRESS OF WHERE THE APPLICATION FOR THE PROPOSED BILLERICA ENERGY CENTER AND NEW INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW LEGAL DOCUMENTS WHICH WERE RECENTLY SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW BY THE BILERICA WATCHERS GROUP
THE BILLERICA WATCHERS WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND AN INVATATION
FOR ALL TO ATTEND THE JUNE 3RD PRESENTATION
AT BILLERICA TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM AT 7:00 PM
IN REGARDS TO THE BILLERICA ENERGY CENTER
POWER PLANT PROPOSAL
THE BILLERICA WATCHERS ALONG WITH SEVERAL EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD
WILL BE PRESENTING INFORMATION TO THE CONCERNED PUBLIC
WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A
MODERATED QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
THE BILLERICA WATCHERS ENCOURAGE ALL CONCERNED MERRIMACK VALLEY STATE OFFICIALS ALONG WITH
CONCERNED MERRIMACK VALLEY TOWN OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS
TO ATTEND AND ASK US QUESTIONS
WE AS A GROUP WILL PROVIDE CURRENT FACTUAL AND QUAIFIED ANSWERS
WITH THE INTENTION OF CLARIFING MANY ISSUES
AND MISCONCEPTIONS SURROUNDING THIS PROPOSAL
Feel free to contact us at: stopthebillericapowerplant.org or stopthebillericapower@comcast.net for more information.
Also you can join the discussion page for the Billerica Watchers Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/ and review the message, links & files section or join in, to see for yourself how this proposal has developed.
Join the neighbor-based opposition effort. Residents of Billerica, Chelmsford, Lowell and Tewksbury are updated weekly. Sign up at http://www.billericapowerplant.org/contact.htm to receive alerts and developments. Learn about public outreach opportunities and work with local legislators to halt fossil fuel burning facilities.
Join the neighbor-based opposition effort at http://www.BillericaPowerPlant.org. Residents of Billerica, Chelmsford, Lowell and Tewksbury would be the most affected if the plant goes in. Receive weekly updates and learn about outreach opportunities. http://www.billericapowerplant.org/contact.htm. Thank you.
Update: A post from Tewksbury Issues and the BWG reply
swamper
Member
Member # 31
posted 06-09-2008 01:07 AM
——
Funny that I should receive a power plant update memo (not from BWG)
claiming it to have been a “slow” news week considering all that
took place over this past week between the successful Q&A forum in
Billerica sponsored by the Billerica Watchers and the new
developments per the previous posts. Want to make sure residents get
the correct information from a qualified source when it comes to
this proposal and upcoming events. Stay tuned.
—— Reply
That’s Funny Swamper, I was sent the same email!
To all concerned about the proposed Power Plant in Billerica, this
uniformed information was sent to me today from someone who would
like to stop the Merrimack Valley from being turned into the
new “GAS ALLEY” !!! (A Term which was given to the area from
Milford, Mass down through the Blackstone Valley, due to the many
Power Plants inflicted on the area).
To shed all misconceptions about anything slowing down or what
efforts are engaging any officials, the Billerica Watchers Group
(BWG) would like to take the time to provide the realistic update
from the only group with the legal power to stop this proposal by
insisting on comprehensive studies on all matters of concern to all
of us.
“Summer-time” will not slow down DG (so-called) Clean Power.
“Quiet”, for who, the misguided?
First, on May 20th the BWG officially filed additional Air concerns
with 4 Officials of the Mass DEP, Ian Bowles and Individual Members
of the Billerica Selectmen and Board of Health. Documents were sent
to other applicable Billerica Boards, along with, Tewksbury,
Chelmsford, and Lowell Officials.
Second, on May 23rd The Massachusetts Energy Facility Siting Board
(EFSB) issued a memorandum with comments from the Board, and
instructing the BWG and Council for DG Power to meet for a
discussion and recommendations which would lead up to the “Board’s
Tentative Decision.”
Simultaneously on May 23rd the BWG filed a Motion to Reopen the
Hearings at the Board due to the “Multiple Project Changes” which DG
Power possibly neglected to inform the EFSB about. Additionally,
supplements containing all of the neglected changes were submitted
to the EFSB.
This submission resulted in the EFSB postponing the comment meeting,
which would have led to the Board’s Tentative Ruling, until the EFSB
had time to rule on the Motion.
On May 23rd the BWG also sent out over forty pages of issues, in
a “Letter of Concern” from the legal representatives who appeared on
behalf of the Group at the EFSB Hearings. Additional detailed
supplements containing data and concerns regarding the project were
sent to Eight more Officials from the Federal and State Levels. (ex.
Army Corps of Engineers, MA DEP, and US EPA) Billerica and
surrounding communities were also given the same documents,
detailing the concerns with the supplemental data/evidence.
On May 30th the Law Firm for DG Clean Power Filed a Motion of
Opposition to reopen the Hearing Process.
On June 3rd The Billerica Watchers conducted an Informational
session at the Billerica Town Hall which aired on BATV. The
Informational Presentation supplied information on the History of
the proceedings and the truth relating to the future of the EFSB and
MEPA proceedings, air, water, noise, health, safety, need, along
with new, “Realistic Technology Available to us.” The Proponents and
Project Team were invited to attend to dispute or question any
material presented but chose not to attend. A copy of the broadcast
will be distributed to Tewksbury for their Local programming.
On June 6th the Billerica Watchers submitted a Rebuttal Motion to
the DG Power’s Law Firm further reiterating the reasoning to reopen
the adjudicatory hearing process. We are currently awaiting
the “Ruling” or any additional response from DG Power’s attorney.
To all concerned, the Governor and Secretary of Environmental
Affairs are very well aware of the opposition to this and other
fossil fueled power plants from meeting with many of the Merrimack
Valley’s Representatives. Billerica’s Rep. Greene met with Mr.
Bowles on June 4th and Tewksbury Rep Meceli has also been voicing
his concerns from the beginning, and also met with Ian Bowles. The
Billerica Watcher’s Group can use your help whether it be
physically, mentally or financially. The BWG has the “Power” to stop
the Merrimack Valley from becoming the new “Gas Alley” and preserve
the valley for ourselves and our future generations. Harness your
energy and your valuable time to join in an effort which can make a
difference and share in the “Power.”
WE ARE NOT AN ERRONEOUS GROUP, who thinks that feel-good petitions
prevent State Boards from rendering decisions, or things slow down
in the summertime when it may be inconvenient for many to
participate in the process. The truth is the exact opposite, the
approval and siting process will be accelerated this summer, and try
petitioning the government to lower the cost on gas and see how much
good that will do.
The BWG supports the Clean Energy Agenda, but these fossil fueled
power plant proposals will only be stopped by hard work [Emphasis
Added] and the rule of law[Emphasis Added]. Yes proposals, the BWG
could use some additional active members from Tewksbury, Chelmsford,
and Lowell to help us with effective efforts to prevent the
Merrimack Valley from becoming the “New Gas Alley.” In Lowell, there
will be a third plant, if hard working intelligent people (who can
be group leaders) do not come forward. People who can work well with
other people and are wiling to work hard to catch up on the facts to
date.
FYI On April 24, 2007 DG Power stated they would like to put another
6 or 7 plants in the area besides the Billerica Plant.
You Decide, We can work together in an undivided effort like a well
oiled machine, or all hang separately like fools.
Contact Us if you would really like to make a difference at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
or at http://www.stopthebillericapowerplant.org/
You Can Make A Difference!
————-
For those who may not have received this so-called update, here are
a couple of blurbs.
["It was a quiet week news-wise, but there is activity behind the
scenes.
The Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board is currently
reviewing the proposal submitted by DG Clean Power to build a 348 MW
gas-fired, peak power plant in North Billerica with diesel backup.
Rebuttal briefs were filed in mid-December, and a decision was
expected anywhere from 60-90 days after that. However, that is not
a fixed timeline, and the state still has not rendered a
decision….."
"Our efforts continue to be focused on public awareness and on
engaging local and state officials, including Governor Patrick…."
"Although things tend to slow down in the summertime, stay tuned –
we will keep you informed as the process moves forward."]
___
Like I said, “”Quiet”, for who, the misguided?”
You can not keep people informed unless you are informed!
Important Notice from the Billerica Watchers Group: Please Read ASAP
A notice from the Billerica Watchers Group to everyone who is really interested in stopping the Billerica Power Plant or would like to make sure that all the questions surrounding the matter are completely answered prior to any permitting!
The Proponents have filed the “Notices of Intent” (NOI) at the Billerica Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, and Planning Board. Contact us for more details this process moves extremely fast.
Heads Up, anyone who maybe telling this process slows down in the summer (among other things) is completely misleading you! If you are interested in truly stopping the power plant, we need your help now. You may not believe that an hour or two of your time could make a difference, but it can.
If you have any quick questions or can help in any way (especially if you have any background in wetlands, zoning, etc…) please contact us immediately at:
stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
Thursday, June 19, 2008 7PM EH&E at Tewksbury Board of Health
The environmental consulting firm hired to evaluate the health impacts of the proposed power plant will be making a short presentation to the Tewksbury Board of Health regarding Tewksbury-specific concerns, followed by questions from the Board of Health and the public. Residents are encouraged to attend. Tewksbury Town Hall, 1009 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA
More information about the proposal is available at http://www.BillericaPowerPlant.org
A Very Important Presentation! One respectful correction, the questions concern all the surrounding communities, because the plant is located on the Tewksbury, Lowell, Chelmsford, and Billerica Town Lines! The Billerica Watchers Group encourages everyone who can attend, to attend.
“Thursday, June 19, 2008 7PM EH&E at Tewksbury Board of Health”
The environmental consulting firm hired to evaluate the health impacts of the proposed power plant will be making a short presentation to the Tewksbury Board of Health regarding Tewksbury-specific concerns, followed by questions from the Board of Health and the public. Residents are encouraged to attend. Tewksbury Town Hall, 1009 Main Street, Tewksbury, Ma.”
Do Not Forget these extremely important facts!
A notice from the Billerica Watchers Group to everyone who is really interested in stopping the Billerica Power Plant or would like to make sure that all the questions surrounding the matter are completely answered prior to any permitting!
The Proponents have filed the “Notices of Intent” (NOI) at the Billerica Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals, and Planning Board. Contact us for more details, this process moves extremely fast.
Heads Up, anyone who maybe telling this process slows down in the summer (among other things) is completely misleading you! If you are interested in truly stopping the power plant, we need your help now. You may not believe that an hour or two of your time could make a difference, but it can.
If you have any quick questions or can help in any way (especially if you have any background in wetlands, zoning, etc…) please contact us immediately at:
stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
The final report by EH&E, the health consulting firm, is now posted on the Town of Billerica’s web site. Here is the link:
http://www.town.billerica.ma.us/cities/ … %20608.pdf
This report is submitted to Billerica with EH&E’s findings.
EH&E presented at the Tewksbury BoH last Thursday, and had suggested they might include some points that were raised in this final report.
The Billerica Conservation Commission is welcoming any concerns and questions about the power plant proposal that might have to do with wetlands impact and the ecology of the area. Questions may be emailed to:
billericaboh@town.billerica.ma.us
Maybe you have concerns about birds, small animals, or wildflowers. Or maybe you have special knowledge of the area.All submissions will be considered.
Sorry. Email comments to the Billerica Conservation Commission go to:
jdepper-nash@town.billerica.ma.us
Thank you.
House approves bill curbing greenhouse gases
Email| Text size – + July 30, 2008 05:25 PM
By Globe Staff
The Massachusetts House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would sharply curb greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The proposed law would require the emissions, which scicentists say are causing global warming, to be reduced by as much as 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. It also calls for a reduction of 80 percent by 2050. The bill would include tough penalties, with fines of as much as $25,000 a day for violations.
“Now is the time to take action,” said Representative Frank Smizik, chairman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. He warned his colleagues that without any action, the state’s climate would soon feel like South Carolina’s.
Former Vice President Al Gore wrote a letter last week urging the House to act. More than 100 representatives signed a letter to House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi supporting the bill and DiMasi announced this morning that the bill would come to the floor with his support.
The bill passed unanimously, on a 154-0 vote, despite opposition from the business community. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts today sharply criticized the bill, saying, that the greenhouse gas reduction goals were “exceedingly aggressive, perhaps to the point of being unattainable and could only be achieved through greatly increased costs for consumers and employers.”
The redrafted bill is expected to be passed by the Senate, which has already passed a different version of the bill. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill once the Legislature sends it to his desk.
House approves bill curbing greenhouse gases
Email| Text size – + July 30, 2008 05:25 PM
By Globe Staff
The Massachusetts House has given preliminary approval to a bill that would sharply curb greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The proposed law would require the emissions, which scicentists say are causing global warming, to be reduced by as much as 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. It also calls for a reduction of 80 percent by 2050. The bill would include tough penalties, with fines of as much as $25,000 a day for violations.
“Now is the time to take action,” said Representative Frank Smizik, chairman of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. He warned his colleagues that without any action, the state’s climate would soon feel like South Carolina’s.
Former Vice President Al Gore wrote a letter last week urging the House to act. More than 100 representatives signed a letter to House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi supporting the bill and DiMasi announced this morning that the bill would come to the floor with his support.
The bill passed unanimously, on a 154-0 vote, despite opposition from the business community. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts today sharply criticized the bill, saying, that the greenhouse gas reduction goals were “exceedingly aggressive, perhaps to the point of being unattainable and could only be achieved through greatly increased costs for consumers and employers.”
The redrafted bill is expected to be passed by the Senate, which has already passed a different version of the bill. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill once the Legislature sends it to his desk.
****************************************
House approves bill curbing greenhouse gases
!!!EVERYBODY HAS TO KEEP WORKING TO STOP THE BILLERICA POWER PLANT
PROPOSAL!!!
This is right from the SUMMARY of the Bill
**************************************
Title: CLIMATE PROTECTION AND GREEN ECONOMY ACT
Committee: Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
Section 9. Commonwealth Utilities. Nothing in this chapter shall
affect the authority of the Commonwealth Utilities Commission.
Nothing shall affect the obligation of an electrical utility to
provide customers with safe and reliable service. Nothing in this
chapter shall preclude construction of any facility so long as all
applicable regulations are complied with.
*************************
The time for all these feel good measures are over, if you really
want to stop the Billerica Power Plant get in touch with
stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
***************************
REMEMBER These simple words:
You know nothin’s gettin’ done when talk is all you hear
Like someone revvin’ up a truck never put in gear
But you don’t see a cowboy run his mouth and strut around
He just takes the bull by the horns and throws him to the ground
Takin’ care of business not just puttin’ on a show
When it gets down to it, everybody knows
*
You can talk about the farm or you can plow the ground
Argue with a rusty nail or hammer it on down
You can stand there in the dark cussin’ at the night
Or you can just reach out your hand and turn on the light
There ain’t no limit in this life to how far you can get
But if you’re goin’ all the way you gotta break a sweat
*
I’ve heard thunder talkin’ up a storm
Rattlin’ my windows and knockin’ on my door
But I’ve seen lightnin’ blow a cypress tree in half
The thunder’s busy talkin’, and lightnin’s kickin’ass
*
It ain’t the smoke, it’s the fire that gets the burnin’ done
If it wasn’t for the bullet, nobody’d fear the gun
It ain’t the bark, it ain’t the growl, it’s the bite that hurts
Thunder’s just a noise, boys, lightnin’ does the work
Thunder’s just a noise, boys, lightnin’ does the work
Ahh yeah
Gonna getcha
Getcha good
Chad Brock/John Hadley/Kelly Garrett
Here is a UPDATE and a comment to a newspaper article from Andover
were the officials in Andover claimed there weren’t any concerns
about the Billerica Power Plant, which was posted on Tewksbury
Issues by some foolish heckler using the name of CYA.
Andover is OK with the Billerica Power Plant because if you go to
the ENF on the Power Plants Website you will see how the
ANDOVER/Dracut line was an alternate site, which was the site of a
previous proposal that was never constructed. How NIMBY of them or
maybe The Town of Andover does not want to spend their tax money to
fight the Siting of a new proposal like they did around eight years
ago! Yes between the Town of Andover and the Community Group who
were intervenors their cost ran around 260 thousand dollars, and
they lost.
Seriously, the year is 2008 and the Billerica Watchers Group is the
only group who applied for intervention and has all the real facts.
UPDAT E: Ano ther Motion was filed today by the BWG, and a Brief is
due on Tuesday relating to Water and trucking in of water. This work
is all being donated from the active members of the BWG and we would
have all been looking at eight smoke stacks with detach plumes
spewing all over all of us by now if it wasn’t 2008 and the BWG did
not believe we can and will stop this proposal or the BWG would not
be wasting our time, but the BWG needs your support to finish the
job.
Although other groups have done a good job at raising awareness,
awareness will not be enough at this point of the process. It will
take more people to become hands on and active in a meaningful way,
and funds. Yes funds! Although the work is being donated by members
of the BWG there are many different costs involved in the fight.
With the decision not to far away in the future the Appeals process
is sure to soon follow. If you are serious about stopping this power
plant yo u will have to make a meaningful effort and get in touch
with the BWG as soon as possible at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
stopthebilleicapowerplant@comcast.net
http://www.stopthebillericapowerplant.org/
PS. At this time do not waste your time and money on nationwide
organizations where your funds go to many who get paid well for
organizing to fight global warming. It doesn’t matter what your
thoughts are on the subject your donations are needed right here in
the Merrimack Valley were you live and your children play!
Here is a quick heads, up many of the se Glo bal Warming organizations
do not care if our Valley becomes polluted and your children’s
health become adversely affected by this plant dumping all over us.
They just want their paychecks and to save the rest of the World we
are expendable, do not find this out when it is too late to get
involved!
Here are some simple but meaning full words from a C&W song which
rings true!
[Does this sound like some Officials who are still waiting for some
answers from the State to form an opinion whether they are in favor
of the proposal or not!]
You know nothin’s gettin’ done when talk is all you hear
Like someone revvin’ up a truck never put in gear
But you don’t see a cowboy run his mouth and strut around
He just takes the bull by the horns and throws him to the ground
Takin’ care of business not just puttin’ on a show
When it gets down to it, everybody knows
*
You can talk about the farm or you can plow the ground
Ar gue with a rusty nail or hammer it on down
You can stand there in the dark cussin’ at the night
Or you can just reach out your hand and turn on the light
There ain’t no limit in this life to how far you can get
But if you’re goin’ all the way you gotta break a sweat
*
I’ve heard thunder talkin’ up a storm
Rattlin’ my windows and knockin’ on my door
But I’ve seen lightnin’ blow a cypress tree in half
The thunder’s busy talkin’, and lightnin’s kickin’ass
*
It ain’t the smoke, it’s the fire that gets the burnin’ done
If it wasn’t for the bullet, nobody’d fear the gun
It ain’t the bark, it ain’t the growl, it’s the bite that hurts
Thunder’s just a noise, boys, lightnin’ does the work
Thunder’s just a noise, boys, lightnin’ does the work
Ahh yeah
Gonna getcha
Getcha good
Chad Brock/John Hadley/Kelly Garrett
It is up to you, you can be lightnin or just another loud noise like
the sound from the jet turbines firing up at the plant!
Don’t shoot the messenger, but I would just like to inform you that the counsel for the Power Plant made a point in his Last Brief to reference Chapter 169 section 89 of the newly passed “Green Communities Act.” So when the BWG attempts to politely imply that you are possibly wasting your time writing to the Governor or whoever or are focusing your funds or energy on lobbyist groups who get paid well, to fight global warming, please take the time to read this new emergency law, which all your effort got us.
I really like the part about “one-stop shopping for necessary permits or certificates or other appropriate streamlining of the permitting system” and ” whether they make it more difficult to site renewable energy facilities than fossil-fueled energy facilities, and, if either is the case, to make recommendations for changes to such laws and regulations;” So this was the results of all the months of all the hard work of our Reps. and Senator’s! Did you help make the process easier?
Make up your own mind, but if you do not want this power plant it is time to unite the Valley and the Billerica Watchers will be more than happy to have some help and share the power, the only power that can stop this proposal Legal Power!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
******************************
Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008
AN ACT RELATIVE TO GREEN COMMUNITIES.
Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to provide forthwith for renewable and alternative energy and energy efficiency in the commonwealth, therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public convenience.
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw08/sl080169.htm Full Text
SECTION 89. There shall be a commission which shall study the siting of energy facilities in the commonwealth. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) the development of a procedure for coordinating and consolidating applications to construct generating facilities between and among the energy facilities siting board, the department of environmental protection and other appropriate agencies, to enable one-stop shopping for necessary permits or certificates or other appropriate streamlining of the permitting system; (b) the expansion of such coordinated procedures to other energy facilities, if appropriate; (c) possible changes to the energy facilities siting board’s procedures for reviewing electric and gas transmission lines in light of recent and propose d chan ges in the structure and regulation of the electric and gas industries, including regional approaches to the siting of such facilities; (d) clarification of the energy facilities siting board’s jurisdiction over the re-powering of existing generating facilities at existing sites and the appropriate standards for reviewing such re-powerings; (e) the development of coordinated procedures to examine the reuse of existing industrial sites for the development of generating facilities; (f) the issue of application fees paid by developers to the energy facilities siting board and the correlation of such fees to the board’s procedures, as statutorily revised under this act, in reviewing such applications; provided, however, that the study shall include, but not be limited to, recommendations, if any, on reducing the application fee paid by developers to the board in light of t he boa rd’s statutorily revised standards of review of such applications under this act; (g) the establishment of a site characterization and suitability commission within the department of environmental protection, which would promulgate criteria to be applied to sites included in an application before the energy facilities siting board and rule on suitability of a proposed site as before the application is approved; and (h) the possibility of requiring applicants to provide either (1) evidence that the proposed facility would employ the best available and most efficient technology to control and reduce water withdrawals, or (2) a description of the environmental impacts, costs and reliability of the water withdrawal method chosen and an explanation of why the proposed technology was chosen; (i) whether current laws and regulations do not adequately facilitate the siting of renewable and alternative energy facilities, or whether they make it mor e difficult to site renewable energy facilities than fossil-fueled energy facilities, and, if either is the case, to make recommendations for changes to such laws and regulations; and (j) whether renewable and alternative energy generating facilities other than a waste-to-energy facility should be allowed as of right on property zoned for industrial use.
The commission shall consist of the secretary of energy and environmental affairs or a designee, who shall be the chair of the commission; the secretary of housing and economic development or a designee; the commissioner of energy resources or a designee; the commissioner of environmental protection or a designee; the commissioner of conservation and recreation or a designee; the director of coastal zone management or a designee; the director of the department of fish and game or a designee; 1 member of the energy facilities siting board; 3 members of the house of re presen tatives, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the house minority leader; 3 members of the senate, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate minority leader; 1 representative of the gas industry; and 2 representatives of ratepayers, 1 of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house and 1 of whom shall be appointed by the senate president; and the following members who shall be appointed by the chair of the commission: 1 municipal official to be nominated by the Massachusetts Municipal Association; 2 representatives of environmental organizations, 1 of which shall be a land and water conservation organization; 2 representatives of the alternative and renewable energy industry; 1 representative of the electric industry; and 2 representatives to be nominated by the AFL – CIO . The commission shall file a report with its finding, including any legislative and regula tory r ecommendations, with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than 18 months after the effective date of this act.
Rebecca seemed to be the only one with the right questions to ask. Everyone else is just complaining. I think if you received the answers to your questions you would not be so hardened against the plant other than it’s look (power plants aren’t very pretty.)
Speaking from another natural gas fired plant here are some things that people don’t realize:
1. The chemicals mentioned are needed to clean the water and then the STEAM they give off (not pollution) is also clean. The assumption is always anything coming up into the air is pollution – it is not. The systems use water to cool thus generating the steam out.
2. There is a mention of having to feed the water to the plant. Here is the perfect opportunity to recycle unwanted water. What is done here is grey water is sent from the Town where the plant treats it and what does not make it out as steam is sent back to the town where now it is clean enough for them to dispose of.
3. If pollution is the concern (which it should be), natural gas plants are one of the cleanest around. What we need are cleaner solutions that will enable the coal (dirty!) plants to be able to close down.
4. There is one grid in the New England area – ISO-NE. Energy is put out onto the grid and ISO distributes. It is hard to tell where the electricity made really winds up, but it is ALL handled by ISO. The plant does not have a say as to where the electricity winds up.
5. Lastly – isn’t everyone using energy just by typing all this on their computers? Everybody wants to be able to flip a switch and have that light go on. So many things being developed today need energy to operate.
I agree that if I could see that from my yard, I would not be happy, but for all the other concerns posted, If you really educate yourselves you will find that there’s alot of scare tactics involved, not real information. Get out there and read up on natural gas power plants.
I’m just not convinced it is necessary to build a big gas burning plant near alot of people. I don’t want to learn in ten years that Billerica blew it and folks are getting sick.
Hey Barb,
What Natural gas fired plant, are you referring to? Where do you get your information? Why are attempting to mislead people?
1. Here are some things your do not realize! The proponents of the admit themselves that these gas fired (with diesel oil back-up) plants pollute. Particulate particles are a major concern in the health of the children and the elderly.
2. The proponents of the plant want the Billerica Drinking Water allotment to use for operation, not grey water. Even if they were to use grey water the plant would displace 90% of the water it uses from the Concord River which is already on the impaired list of waterways.
3. The misconception you are attempting by claiming these gas fired plants will shut down coal burning plants is false. There is not legally tenable fact on record which has been given by the proponents to substantiate such a rumor.
4. ISO NE does distribute the power to the grid but if a plant does go down somewhere in NE then this plant can run 24/7 at the cost to the consumer of approx $1,000 a Megawatt hour! The problem is the Merrimack Valley does not have the resources to support such a plant, and the proponents are proposing to truck in the water needed to operate the plant which in turn provides proof there is not enough water to support such an operation. I will not even go into the air pollution of such a scenario.
5. I do not know how you live or if you feel there is an endless supply of natural resources to meet your energy needs, but the State of Massachusetts and other NE states have become aware of water issues and have adopted stricter regulations on water enforcement beginning in May 2009 (with many more to come). There much better ways of generating power and gas fired plants are not clean and devourer natural resources. FACT: this is not a NIMBY issue! FACT: you need to become really educated before you accuse anybody else of not being educated or supplying unreal information. FACT: the only scare tactics I have been hearing and reading for close to two years is that we will not have enough power without these albatrosses which you claim to know so much about are not built!
Lastly, I am qualified to make these statements, because I have been the person asking the Limited Liability power company and their so called experts (the best that money can buy to provide the results the power company wants) over 400 questions in the Discovery process of law and under sworn testimony, which they constantly avoid answering or do a disgusting song and dance around answering! Get educated: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
PS These folks will tell you anything to make a dollar and the uneducated will believe anything they are told to keep from doing the really hard research to find the TRUTH! Are you one of the lazy and uneducated?
A few additional points from Ed’s comments. Billerica Watchers has a few experts as well, one is person who has been involved with the power industry for about 40 years, and another is an air expert. MYTH: Steam doesn’t contain pollution – FACT: In simple terms, the steam encapsulates the pollution. The need the water [resulting in steam] for NOx control. And yes, there is NOx emitted from this plant, and is only marginally under the limit.
MYTH: Grey water use is good and waste from the plant is OK. FACT: The waste water treatment plant is the ONLY water which flows into 3.8 miles of river, and whatever flows over the Faulkner Mills dam (which in the summertime is just about nill). There are no feeder streams for this section, which averages 4 feet depth in summertime (you can find this at the DEP website for the Concord River Impaired document). So with nothing feeding this section of river, it could end up extremely dangerously low. FACT2: The resulting minerals, chemicals leftover can not be processed by the WWTP, and the WWTP is also just about maxed out for accepting waste water. As of right now, the Limited Liability “DG Clean Power” needs to truck off remaining deposits and the small amount of water leftover. FACT3: The 3 MILLION dollar upgrade needed for the WWTP – some upgrades are needed to meet DEP standards and the a good portion is needed because of this power plant (btw – the proponents are dancing around who is actually paying for this)
MYTH: The DEP will give Billerica more water when it runs out. FACT: There is no guarantee whatsoever that the DEP will grant Billerica any additional water, if needed. The plant is requiring 60 million gallons per year, the town has an “excess” (this term is used loosely) of 55 million gallons. The proponent is requesting 40 million gallons per year of Billerica’s drinking water (they are unable to sufficiently clean the grey water) and truck in the remaining 20 million (as Ed mentions).
There is a potential for Billerica to hook up to MWRA (to the tune of 8 million for membership ask Wilmington)or perhaps some other town may sell us what we need for water (at a significant cost).
The power plant DOUBLES the carbon footprint of Billerica.
One final note, if you think home values are down, what do you think your chance is of selling your home (if you live in Billerica or nearby town?) that has a power plant in it? I will tell you a fact. I work for a very large company in Hopkinton, anyone who has moved closer to this company chooses ANY town BUT Bellingham; and also select homes in a significant radius AWAY from the Bellingham, Franklin or Blackstone plants. Are my co-workers informed?
Just because you can’t “see” the pollution, doesn’t mean its not harmful. Even the EH&E report states that there are even smaller particulates (smaller than 2.5) that they don’t have enough data on their effects.
How many risks can you afford? Health, your nest-egg for your health costs, your equity in your home, your drinking water, additional risks for trucking aqueous ammonia, deisel and numerous water trucks?
One final note, the Merrimack Valley residents involved in this are located in Billerica, Tewksbruy, Chelmsford, Lowell and Pepperell. They are not NIMBY’s, and most won’t see the plant. They have done the reading and research, as the majority of information is online or at the library and easily accessed.
YANKEE DOODLE SPRIT: Read and Think About It!
Checkout the Billerica Watchers Group Site and see what inspired this piece:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
**********************
Last night I was being a BATV addict and viewing the Board of
Selectmen’s Meeting and found myself listening to two fine gentlemen
discussing the Howe School Building and how the Town of Billerica
was leasing it for 99 years to the Historical Society to be utilized
as a historic museum. Some of you may think there is something wrong
with me, but I when heard the talk about the historical artifacts
which were going to be displayed from our Valley dating back to the
Revolutionary War Era, I started to get goose-bumps just thinking
about how our area played such an important part in struggle which
resulted in the greatest document every created in the History of
mankind, “The United States Constitution,” and the Birth of Our
Great Nation. What an incredible idea for the Howe Building I
thought, a way to bring back some historic education to children and
many others who are completely unaware of the struggle and sacrifice
many made from our area to the birth of our nation and the birth of
freedoms document which would change the lives of every free
thinking individual on the face of this Earth Forever. Let’s face it
the government has taken complete control of our educational system
and where American History was once a very important subject many
years ago when I went to school, it is now a subject that is brushed
aside and can be substituted for extra help for the Math and Science
courses. You think about the reason many of today’s youth have no
clue about many things that are important and why “Our Valley’s”
communities have a difficult time achieving a 25% voting rate.
Unacceptable!
At this point reality set in about how spoiled and complacent many
have become and if Tom Ditson who came to Town to buy a rifle and
was tarred and feathered and paraded around by the British, or
Pollard one of the first to be killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill
could have envisioned that the area’s well being would again have to
be defended again by the areas ordinary citizens 333 years later. I
will thank the committee members who donate their personal time and
all the hard work which it takes to put the Yankee Doodle
Celebration together, and I agree the Weekend should be a
celebration, but to forget or to ignore what is at stake here in the
Valley and claim it is too political, is to offend the true purpose
of the celebration. History does repeat itself because, “What man
has never learned from History, is that man has never learned from
History.”
I do not care what position any group or table is taking on their
issues, at least they are taking a position, which is known as
Freedom which is granted to us all by our creator, and given to us
by the ancestor’s who once enjoy the “Quality of Life” in the
Valley. Like I have said in many early posts, we are in the battle
for “The Merrimack Valley” which the Ex Secretary of Energy of
Massachusetts (1978-1981) is targeting to become the next “Gas
Alley” (just like he did in the Blackstone Valley) and an energy
producing dumping ground.
I have heard that our group is too political from some and even too
confrontational from other groups! The fact is as it was in 1775,
Boston’s elite bureaucrats are coming and their intentions are not
honorable, just like the British Crown was many years ago which
sparked the birth of our new nation. We have our fine State
Representative Bill Greene and other Town Rep’s battling for us
against money, the political influence of the greedy cowards,
corruption, and elitists who wish to destroy our “Quality of Life in
the Merrimack Valley” just like the elitists of the British Crown
became too overbearing on the Colonists these cowards will
overburden our natural resources and leave the citizenry to pay the
price. We even have our Valley’s versions of Benedict Arnold’s
(Revolutionary War’s Famous Traitor) who are assisting these
elitists for their own personal fortune as they suppress the truth
about the adverse effects of the Power Plant proposal and spread
misinformation about the concerned citizens of the Valley, as they
make their plans to retire in Florida or somewhere after they
sellout our Town and Valley (We know of one who has already made the purchase)!
Does anybody out there know the “History and Background” of the
song “Yankee Doodle? Does anyone have the True Yankee Doodle Sprit?
Well I have a valid Historical Fact for you all, the Sprit and the
Song is extremely political [EMPHASIS ADDED]! Think about this while
you are enjoying the celebration, and then think about becoming
involved. We have the Truth and are willing to share it with anyone
who is willing to roll up their sleeves and dig into it and when you
are done reading the facts, you will take a stand!
BTW Did I forget to mention how the proponents and their supervising
engineer submitted false written documents to the State Siting Board
and then verified the fact under oath in verbal testimony? Get
involved, Ditson, Pollard, and many others did to give that right.
Enjoy the Yankee Doodle Celebration and all the hard work and effort
put into it, but never forget what the True Meaning is for it!
An Investigative Report from ch. 25 FOX NEWS and an Associated Press article on Transmission Lines and the New England Power Grid.
Re: New England governors told power transmission lacking READ!
This article upholds what BWG Member Don Gadbois who has forty years
experience in the electrical generating industry had explained to the
Group almost 2 years ago, and we have been attempting to explain to
the public, these plants are not needed, and they just end up
emptying the consumer’s pockets every time one is built. Do not
listen to the scare tactics from DG Power that we will run out of power, we are
talking about more good paying jobs for many, not just the few corporate elite,
clean energy, and hold all our electrical costs down. Our future generations are
counting on us, please think about their future and do not use the excuse that
you are too busy to become involved or even read the article and watch the
report below.
Take a look at your electric bill and look at what your household
pays towards transmission charges, and then think of how many
households in New England are paying the same or more. If our
Governor wants to take a serious look at where the money would come
from to fund the upgrades in the transmission lines have him watch the
investigative report from ch.25 FOX News! Hopefully our Attorney General who is
featured in the report will supply him with the funds after investigating ISO
NE’s books.
There is a direct correlation between ISO NE and the Private Power
Generating Companies like the company out to destroy our Valley!
Click on the link or paste it into your browser and directly under the current
report will be the previous reports where you can click on “Electric Shock” to
see the ten minute report. It is worth your time.
Here is the link: Please take the
time to watch this!
http://media.myfoxboston.com/news/specials.html
— In BillericaWatchers@yahoogroups.com, “cwsgrp” wrote:
>
> This is just another example that these dirty power plants are not
> needed. If the infrastructure is upgraded we (Massachusetts) would
> have access to clean wind and hydro power from Maine and Canada.
But
> Deval Patrick says we (Massachusetts) want to generate our own
power.
>
> —————————————————————–
>
> Associated Press
> New England governors told power transmission lacking
> By GLENN ADAMS 09.17.08, 11:47 AM ET
>
> BAR HARBOR, Maine -
>
> There’s plenty of electrical energy on line or on the drawing board,
> but getting it to market is another story, the top elected leaders
in
> New England and eastern Canada were told Tuesday.
>
> New England and eastern Canada have significant renewable energy
> portfolios that can cut into greenhouse gas emissions, said Ed
Martin,
> chief operating officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
>
> “What we do not yet have is the transmission infrastructure to move
> it,” Martin told the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian
> Premiers at their 32nd gathering. Martin added that he would not
want
> to see the region “squandering” its energy reserves for lack of
> infrastructure.
>
> That dilemma was a major theme at the conference, but the leaders of
> six states and four of the five provinces also discussed other
issues
> of mutual interest including transportation and population trends.
>
> On transportation issues, they called for further studies into
> harmonizing truck weight limits among their jurisdictions and
further
> evaluation of improved highway and railroad links. In particular,
the
> leaders singled out development of an efficient east-west highway
> across Maine, a costly concept that has been discussed for years but
> has never come to fruition.
>
> The leaders also called for better coordination among environmental
> and transportation agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
> increase fuel efficiency.
>
> And they acknowledged the importance of population growth to
maintain
> an adequate labor force. “Employers are saying this is the most
> critical problem they’re facing,” said Vermont Gov. James Douglas.
>
> With fuel prices soaring, energy was a hot topic among governors in
> energy-hungry New England states and premiers in eastern Canada,
where
> there’s a surplus of energy.
>
> New England states, and Maine in particular, have been looking
across
> the international border as they consider ways to collaborate on
power
> generation and transmission. And Canadian premiers are eager to sell
> excess energy from hydro, wind and nuclear projects.
>
> Last year, Maine Gov. John Baldacci and New Brunswick Premier Shawn
> Graham, who are co-chairs of this year’s conference, signed a
> memorandum of understanding to increase cooperation between the
state
> and province on electrical interconnections.
>
> Newfoundland Hydro’s Martin reiterated that sentiment Tuesday,
saying,
> “We must unite under the banner of infrastructure development.”
>
> And Quebec Premier Jean Charest spoke to the reliability of Canadian
> renewable power, saying, “Here we are, neighbors and friends … you
> can’t get more reliable.”
>
> NB Power built a 58-mile line from Point Lepreau, New Brunswick, to
> the Maine border in 2006. The electricity can flow in both
directions
> but there’s not enough capacity in Maine to ship large amounts of
that
> Canadian electricity to southern New England.
>
> A new proposal by Maine Public Service Co. and Central Maine Power
> calls for construction of a 345,000-volt line from central to
northern
> Maine that would improve the flow of electricity by fully connecting
> northern Maine and New Brunswick to the New England power grid for
the
> first time.
>
> The proposed power grid improvements would accommodate 800 megawatts
> of power from proposed wind turbine projects in northern Maine,
while
> opening the door to more electricity flowing into New England from
> Canadian hydroelectric and nuclear power projects down the road.
>
> Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said another major issue needs to
be
> addressed: price. Patrick observed that there was a lot of
discussion
> about power generation at the conference, but he said his state has
a
> goal of generating “much if not all of our needs” over time.
>
> Also attending Tuesday’s conference were Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell,
> New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri,
Nova
> Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald and Newfoundland Premier Danny
> Williams. Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz attended a
funeral
> at home and sent a representative.
The Energy Facilities Siting Board has rescheduled the upcoming hearing for the Billerica power plant to October 2 in Boston. This may be the last opportunity to express your concerns to Secretary Ian Bowles and the Siting Board about the plant proposal. Whether you have sent a letter already or not, please use this chance to speak out by sending an e-mail. Feel free to send your own thoughts, or cut and paste the following text:
As a resident, registered voter, and taxpayer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I oppose the proposed siting of the Billerica power plant. As a matter of public health and safety, and out of concern for the environment, I strongly urge you to not approve the proposal.
Your Name, Your Town
Address the e-mail to Secretary Ian Bowles, env.internet@state.ma.us. Please take just a moment to weigh in on this issue.
AP: Carbon goes on the auction block in Northeast
This should be interesting! This money making scam came from all the “Global Warming” ranting about the green house gas emissions! Was this the intended results that the many people with good intentions were looking for? Solar, Wind and Hydro is clean not another creation of a corrupt financial market for polluters.
Feel free to disagree, but what I see is an auction which will allow “fossil fueled” power plants to over pollute one area if they buy “credits” or “Carbon Offsets” from a cleaner area which will remain clean while devastating other areas with pollution, to put it in simple terms. Even better, guess who will be paying for the purchasing of these “Offsets or Credits”? If you guessed, you the consumer, you are correct, the fossil fueled power companies will pass the costs on. In other words, if you live in an area with a power plant and that power plant will over pollute, they can now legally spew all over your area, while areas where the communities are well off with enough wealth to fight one, or have concerned citizens and government officials who are willing get involved to fight against another “fossil fueled mistake,” then those people will enjoy a healthy and vigorous future for them and their families.
The irony here is no matter where you live you the consumer will pay more to either watch your loved ones become ill with asthma and other illnesses from pollution or you may be the people who pay more and say what a shame about those folks living in the “New Gas Alley,” but oh well, what’s on TV or kids lets go out and throw the football around. So do not get involved with the Billerica Watchers Group to help stop this plant, we wouldn’t want you to offend any officials or any of your self righteous egotistical friends and neighbors.
Just another heads up, stated clearly in the Billerica Power Plant’s Initial Brief to the Energy Facility Siting Board from the counsel for the plant(DG Power), it is clearly stated they will be purchasing “Carbon Offsets or Credits” from the “RGGI” to comply with the Regional Green House Gas Imitative and we will be paying more for the BEC to dump on us!
So people, either get off your butts and become involved with the Billerica Watchers Group and help us save our Valley or enjoy paying for you and your family’s future demise! WE ALL CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, as one! Your other option is to join in with the clueless ranting “Groups or Organizations” who don’t have the foresight about what results their ranting will bring them! The results from the last set of ranting gave us “One Stop Permit Shopping” for fossil fueled plants from Green Communities Act, Section 89. See BWG post # 1891 at our site. If you do not believe it check it out yourself. Keep in mind if there was “one stop permit shopping” when the BEC applied for permits, we would be looking at eight stacks with detached pollution plumes billowing over our Valley by now, while we all sing “Kum By Ya!”
________________________________________________
Carbon goes on the auction block in Northeast
By KAREN MATTHEWS
Associated Press Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Greenhouse gases went on sale Thursday as 10 Northeastern states held the nation’s first auction of pollution credits aimed at curbing global warming.
“It is time really to turn the tide on global warming,” said New York Gov. David Paterson, who opened the auction by ringing the ceremonial bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange. “And we hope that we’ve done this today.”
The program puts a price on carbon dioxide pollution, giving power plants a financial incentive to cut emissions.
Auction proceeds will go toward energy conservation and renewable energy programs in each of the 10 participating states: New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont.
The program aims to hold carbon dioxide emissions steady through 2014 and then gradually reduce them; it is widely viewed as a model for future programs nationally and around the globe.
“It’s historic,” said Lance Pierce, climate program director of the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The carbon markets have arrived in the United States. And carbon markets, if designed correctly, hold the promise for development of cleaner energy … and reductions in global warming pollution that benefit consumers, businesses and the environment, as well.”
The Northeast effort, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, limits the total amount of carbon that power plants in the 10 states can pump out of their smokestacks at the current level – 188 million tons.
Electric power generators must pay for allowances covering the amount of carbon they emit, and the initiative will provide a market-based auction and trading system in which the generators can buy, sell and trade the emissions allowances.
The initiative covers more than 200 fossil fuel power plants, requiring that the owners of those plants pay for the carbon dioxide they emit.
It will gradually reduce carbon emissions by reducing the emissions limit in a series of steps, until it is 10 percent below the current level a decade from now. The companies that don’t reduce emissions can buy allowances from companies that have, thereby creating a financial incentive to reduce pollution because the more environmentally friendly plants won’t have to buy as many credits and because they can sell any they don’t need.
Dale Bryk, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said, “This new energy plan is straightforward, highly cost-effective and creates a clean energy pathway for the rest of the country to follow. It is the shape of things to come.”
Carbon dioxide trading already exists in Europe. Some carbon dioxide allowances also are being traded in the United States on a voluntary basis through the Chicago Climate Exchange. But the Northeast effort is the nation’s first mandatory effort to limit carbon dioxide.
The initiative took five years to bear fruit. George Pataki, New York’s governor at that time, brought together nine other governors five years ago to develop a regional strategy to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
Other regional greenhouse gas coalitions, such as the Western Climate Initiative and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord, are in earlier stages of development.
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, who joined Paterson at a news conference at the Mercantile Exchange, noted that both John McCain and Barack Obama support cap-and-trade programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Corzine said “there is building momentum” to enact federal legislation.
In response to critics who have argued that the limit is too high, Corzine said, “I think we need to make sure that the mechanics of the auction process and the system work.” He said the limit could be lowered at subsequent auctions if the initiative’s member states determine it’s too high to have the intended effect.
Thursday’s auction was run by World Energy, an operator of online green exchanges. Results will be released Monday, pending review by an independent monitor.
On the Net:
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: http://www.rggi.org
(This version CORRECTS that the limit could be lowered, instead of would be lowered, at subsequent auctions.)
*************************************************
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Welcome
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states will cap and then reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10% by 2018.
States will sell emission allowances through auctions and invest proceeds in consumer benefits: energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other clean energy technologies. RGGI will spur innovation in the clean energy economy and create green jobs in each state.
Auction Results: The clearing price and number of allowances sold for Auction 1 will be posted here on Monday, September 29th. Additional auction results will be made available to the public after financial settlement on October 8th.
Weekly updates are available at http://www.BillericaPowerPlant.org. Click on the Newsletter tab. Thank you.
Updated information from the Billerica Watchers Group. We have the legal rights to intervene on the Billerica Power Plant, and have the most up to date information if you are interested.
Billerica Watchers is in the midst of a campaign for citizens to call, write and even follow-up with an email to the Billerica Selectmen, State Representative and Senator. Have the rep and senator write a letter to the Billerica selectmen. The below is a sample that YOU can send to your rep and senator and at the end of this email are the selectmen names, town hall address and email address.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The plant requires 60 million gallons of water to run for the year. 90% of the water the plant uses is evaporated with the pollution encapsulated. The plant will mostly run during the summer and the Billerica Waste Water treatment plant is the only “thing” that feeds 3.8 miles of the Concord River along with whatever spills over the Faulkner dam. This section of river is only 4-8 feet in depth already. Underground streams, acquifers are all related with affects to loss in flow of a river.
Second and the obvious important issue impacting Billerica will be the increased pollution. This plant will be the same as creating another RT3.
The Billerica Selectmen are the “Keepers” of the giving the power plant water the 40 million gallons of drinking water it is requesting. A letter from your office requesting for the best interest of the Merrimack Valley, the community residents and the health of the Concord River and the wildlife, that the selectmen deny giving the power plant the water would greatly help your community, the River, and the entire Merrimack Valley.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally — make sure your rep and senator (or a representative from their office) is ATTENDING the October 2nd Siting Board meeting. A tentative decision will be given to Billerica Watchers very soon after this hearing.
The Siting Board is allowing comments from the rep s and senators at this time, which is an unprecedented opportunity, as the comments (from anyone) were due on the deadline of 5/1/2007.
If you are interested in helping truly stop the power plant, we still need help. We have many experts lined up and have reviewed our materials and with the help of these experts, the project could be stopped and at a minimum deterred for at least four years.
Email: stopthepowerplant@comcast.net if you can help or http://www.stopthebillericapowerplant.org/events.html and click on the Donate button.
All letters should be simply say:
“Please don’t sell our drinking water to the Power Plant”
Send all letters to:
Billerica Town Hall
365 Boston Road
Billerica, MA 01821
Town Manager:
William Williams – Phone number: 978-671-0942
Selectmen:
Phone number: 978-671-0939
Jim O’Donnell
email: jfodonnell@verizon.net
Bob Accomando
email: Accomando2008@Comcast.net
Marc Lombardo
email: Marctlombardo@comcast.net
Michael Rosa
No email address
Bob Correnti
email: bobcorrenti@comcast.net
Also if you are interested in accurate and complete information regarding the Billerica Power Plant, email stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net or join our Yahoo group for discussions. There is NO other group is has the UP TO DATE information, nor can provide useful, meaningful information on how to help.
Billerica Watcher’s are the only group who has this.
Status: EFSB Public Meeting, 10/2/2008
Today’s hearing at the Siting Board -
Each representative and senator received 5 minutest to speak on their issues.
Senator Tucker, Representative Bill Greene, and Elizabeth Souza from Jim Micelli’s office all spoke.
Bill Greene’s aid Chris Bennett was also present and an aid from Finegold’s office was also present in the audience.
We all need to send written thank you’s for their time and the issues they presented. We can not thank them enough for their time and efforts. They all did a fabulous, fabulous job presenting the issues of Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford and the surrounding area. The hearing started late, a little after 3 p.m.
Highlights (from my notes):
Senator Tucker hit some great hot issues, such as the actual Siting Board process is flawed and slanted towards the proponent, tremendous impact on the area, the ammonia tanks so close to the river, the issues with the plant running for the number of hours then changing as needed or if some crisis occurs.
Representative Greene drove home the points of unanimous disapproval of the plant, lack of water and the drain on both a natural resource and the cost it would be the taxpayers, traffic if diesel is needed and the issues with the number of trucks, general logistics of trucks lining up, turning around, loading offloading, security and safety issues, such as if 1st responders are needed – can they get there in time, and the fact that ISO controls when this plant is run. He brought up the facts regarding the implementation of water conservation efforts that the town RESIDENTS would need to comply with just so the proposed plant can HAVE the 40 million gallons of municipal water they need just to send it out the stacks, and that Billerica currently gives away free low flow shower heads.
Elizabeth tied it all together very nicely with the letter from Jim Micelli, and the letter from all the boards in Tewksbury. She brought up the reduced quality of life because of the plant, Tewksbury receiving the majority of the pollution because the wind generally blows East/Northeast, she brought up the deliveries of fuel, ammonia, and the direct safety concerns, she added in about the known dumping and the potential contamination because of the soil disturbance, and that the exit ramp/intersection where the trucks turn are currently at a Level F rating – which is very low rating.
Billerica Watcher’s received 15 minutes of time, and Ed was able to get across the issues with visual, his personal site walk-thru, site-buffer issues, and water and water conservation issues. We had 60 pages relating to the issues the Siting Board covers, and there is still more to present.
Billerica Watchers air expert received 15 minutes of time and discussed the air impacts, the fact that the proponent had to comply with modeling and modeling issues that she uncovered. She discussed the PM 2.5 and the fact that the area is already at 80% attainment level.
One of the Billerica Town Meeting members also received about 10 minutes of time and she stressed the issues with the wetlands area, and how much they were disturbing, and the relation to the Concord River.
The hearing officer read the bench memorandum, and then the actual Siting Board started with some questions on safety. New material regarding safety measures and ERP’s (emergency response plans) was presented at the hearing by both Joe Fitzpatrick and Ed Liston.
Billerica Watcher’s also received, upon walking in the room, a memorandum from the opposing council regarding site buffer and a noise agreement from the closest neighbor.
We will receive the transcripts from this meeting soon as well.
The proponents get to present next, and it appears they will [of course] receive more time than all of us combined! We have a tentative date of 10/16, however, we will post this as soon as we hear confirmation
Two additional attendees in the audience for the Siting Board hearing which I forgot to note:
Bill Williams – The new Billerica Town Manager
Abdul – Head of the Billerica DPW
Thank you both for taking time out of your busy days!
Billerica Waatchers Group
Status: EFSB Public Meeting, 10/2/2008
Today’s hearing at the Siting Board -
Each representative and senator received 5 minutest to speak on their
issues.
Senator Tucker, Representative Bill Greene, and Elizabeth Souza from Jim Micelli’s office all spoke.
Bill Greene’s aid Chris Bennett was also present and an aid from Finegold’s office was also present in the audience.
We all need to send written thank you’s for their time and the issues they presented. We can not thank them enough for their time and
efforts. They all did a fabulous, fabulous job presenting the issues of Tewksbury, Billerica, Chelmsford and the surrounding area. The
hearing started late, a little after 3 p.m.
Highlights (from my notes):
Senator Tucker hit some great hot issues, such as the actual Siting Board process is flawed and slanted towards the proponent, tremendous impact on the area, the ammonia tanks so close to the river, the issues with the plant running for the number of hours then changing as needed or if some crisis occurs.
Representative Greene drove home the points of unanimous disapproval of the plant, lack of water and the drain on both a natural resource
and the cost it would be the taxpayers, traffic if diesel is needed and the issues with the number of trucks, general logistics of trucks
lining up, turning around, loading offloading, security and safety issues, such as if 1st responders are needed – can they get there in
time, and the fact that ISO controls when this plant is run. He brought up the facts regarding the implementation of water conservation efforts that the town RESIDENTS would need to comply
with just so the proposed plant can HAVE the 40 million gallons of municipal water they need just to send it out the stacks, and that
Billerica currently gives away free low flow shower heads.
Elizabeth tied it all together very nicely with the letter from Jim Micelli, and the letter from all the boards in Tewksbury. She brought up the reduced quality of life because of the plant,
Tewksbury receiving the majority of the pollution because the wind generally blows East/Northeast, she brought up the deliveries of
fuel, ammonia, and the direct safety concerns, she added in about the known dumping and the potential contamination because of the soil
disturbance, and that the exit ramp/intersection where the trucks turn are currently at a Level F rating – which is very low rating.
Billerica Watcher’s received 15 minutes of time, and Ed was able to get across the issues with visual, his personal site walk-thru, site-
buffer issues, and water and water conservation issues. We had 60 pages relating to the issues the Siting Board covers, and there is still more to present.
Billerica Watchers air expert received 15 minutes of time and discussed the air impacts, the fact that the proponent had to comply
with modeling and modeling issues that she uncovered. She discussed the PM 2.5 and the fact that the area is already at 80% attainment
level.
One of the Billerica Town Meeting members also received about 10 minutes of time and she stressed the issues with the wetlands area,
and how much they were disturbing, and the relation to the Concord River.
The hearing officer read the bench memorandum, and then the actual Siting Board started with some questions on safety. New material
regarding safety measures and ERP’s (emergency response plans) was presented at the hearing by both Joe Fitzpatrick and Ed Liston.
Billerica Watcher’s also received, upon walking in the room, a supplement memorandum from the opposing council regarding site buffer and a
noise agreement from the closest neighbor.
We will receive the transcripts from this meeting soon as well.
The proponents get to present next, and it appears they will [of course] receive more time than all of us combined! We have a tentative date of 10/16, however, we will post this as soon as we hear confirmation
Two additional attendees in the audience which I forgot to note:
Bill Williams – The new Billerica Town Manager
Abdul – Head of the Billerica DPW
Thank you both for taking time out of your busy days!
Billerica Watchers Group (Ed – reprentative for the 22 intervenors), has received a notification from the Energy Facilities Siting Board regarding the next date for the hearing. It will be at 10/23 @ 10 a.m. – South Station in Boston. The proponent will be presenting their proposal and appears they will have well over 4 hours to present and receive questions for the Head of the Siting Boards.
Anyone is welcome to attend this presentation, however, you will not be allowed to ask questions, or speak in any way.
This week – we have submitted two various legal documents.
This is what the Billerica Watchers has been attempting to do all along !
Brockton – Communities Join together to try to stop the Brockton Power Plant
10 Oct 2008 19:41
Sound familiar
Quote “Halifax Board of Health Agent John Delano said he’s e-mailed all of the towns in a 20-mile radius of the plant — about how far wind can take pollution from the facility.”
Quote “ He says it’s not just the towns abutting Brockton that would be affected, but even Plymouth, Hull and Situate.”
>Quote “It is quite an eye-opener when you see where the proposed power plant is located in relation to your town, your schools and your ball fields,” Delano said. “When I received something back in 2007 about the power plant, I said, ‘That doesn’t affect me,’ and I didn’t worry about it. It wasn’t until I plotted the stack to see how close it was to me that I became worried.”
Quote “After seeing the wind currents I am getting a little nervous,” said Abington Selectman Bob Wynn. “I think the task force should step on some toes and move ahead because I don’t really see the benefit of this power plant right now.”
MY FAVORITE QUOTES FROM THE ARTICLE below
Quote “ Wynn said he’d like to see the environmental impact and health statistics related to a fossil fuel plant in a community after 20 to 30 years.”
Quote “West Bridgewater resident Gini Jeppson was one of a group of residents who made a trip to a plant in East Providence, R.I., built 11 years ago, who said they found the area “barren and frightening.”
Quote “You do not see birds. You do not see animals,” said Jeppson. “There is nothing down there except dirt and a power plant.”
Quote Jeppson said a foul smell radiates from the plant, which uses sewer water to cool the towers. She also said there were no houses left in a 10-mile radius around the plant.
Quote “If that should happen in Brockton, what about the Davis School, that is less than a third of a mile away from this site?” she asked.
Communities Join together to try to stop the Brockton Plant
http://www.enterprisenews.com/homepage/ … g-informed
Power plant task force members getting informed
Power plant task force emphasizes that it hasn’t taken a position on the planned facility
——————————————————————————–
Photos
Photos
——————————————————————————–
Marc Vasconcellos
An anti-power plant sign was placed on the windshield of a truck outside the Howard School in West Bridgewater.
By Paula M. Donnelly
Enterprise Correspondent
Posted Oct 10, 2008 @ 03:02 AM
Last update Oct 10, 2008 @ 03:09 AM
————————————————-
WEST BRIDGEWATER —
While the Regional Power Plant Task Force has not taken an official stand on the proposed facility in Brockton, not a single one of the 50 or so residents at the group’s first meeting Thursday night spoke in favor of it.
Representatives from Brockton as well as nine surrounding towns met at West Bridgewater High School for the stated purpose of gathering information.
West Bridgewater Selectman Matthew Albanese, who was elected task force chairman, said the point of the group “is not necessarily to oppose or support the plant. It is to get to a consensus.”
“There are far too many questions that have not been answered,” he added.
Advanced Power is proposing a 350-megawatt, fossil-fuel-burning plant on Brockton’s south side. The project is now under review by Brockton’s Conservation Commission, and must be approved before construction can begin. The commission is expected to rule before the end of the month. If it denies it, the Swiss company that would build the plant could appeal it to the Department of Environmental Protection, or could ask to reopen the hearing in order to present more information.
Meanwhile, the state Energy Facilities Siting Board is reviewing the project and could make a decision on whether to license the plant by the end of the year.
Representatives from Whitman, Hanson, Lakeville, Brockton, West Bridgewater, Abington, Middleboro and Halifax attended Thursday’s meeting, along with concerned residents from those towns and East Bridgewater and Bridgewater.
“We, as a town, have not taken a stance one way or the other,” said Whitman Selectman Dan Salvucci. “We are not pro or con, simply because we are still finding out information on it.”
The task force decided it would invite representatives from several groups, including Advanced Power, to come in to present information in coming months.
“I just want to make it clear that Brockton has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting this,” said Brockton Mayor James E. Harrington, vice chairman of the task force. “We are going to let the whole region know what the impacts are.”
Halifax Board of Health Agent John Delano said he’s e-mailed all of the towns in a 20-mile radius of the plant — about how far wind can take pollution from the facility.
He says it’s not just the towns abutting Brockton that would be affected, but even Plymouth, Hull and Situate.
“It is quite an eye-opener when you see where the proposed power plant is located in relation to your town, your schools and your ball fields,” Delano said. “When I received something back in 2007 about the power plant, I said, ‘That doesn’t affect me,’ and I didn’t worry about it. It wasn’t until I plotted the stack to see how close it was to me that I became worried.”
“After seeing the wind currents I am getting a little nervous,” said Abington Selectman Bob Wynn. “I think the task force should step on some toes and move ahead because I don’t really see the benefit of this power plant right now.”
Wynn said he’d like to see the environmental impact and health statistics related to a fossil fuel plant in a community after 20 to 30 years.
West Bridgewater resident Gini Jeppson was one of a group of residents who made a trip to a plant in East Providence, R.I., built 11 years ago, who said they found the area “barren and frightening.”
“You do not see birds. You do not see animals,” said Jeppson. “There is nothing down there except dirt and a power plant.”
Jeppson said a foul smell radiates from the plant, which uses sewer water to cool the towers. She also said there were no houses left in a 10-mile radius around the plant.
“If that should happen in Brockton, what about the Davis School, that is less than a third of a mile away from this site?” she asked.
The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the Howard School cafeteria at 7 p.m.
Billerica statue will memorialize ‘Yankee Doodle’ Lowell Sun 10/11/08
Tewksbury resident and member of Billerica Colonial Minute Men. He says it’s time that Billerica memorializes its contributions to the
American Revolution.
Would Thomas Ditson be considered “Politically Incorrect” today and not be allowed to have an informational booth at his celebration
because it would offend others?
Time for some History
Quotes from article:
“On March 8, 1775, Ditson, a 33-year-old Billerica farmer, went to
Boston to buy a musket. He was arrested by British officers.
The officers and soldiers of the 47th regiment, under Col. Nesbitt, stripped, tarred and feathered Ditson. Humiliated, he was taken
through the streets of Boston, while the British taunted him with a verse of “Yankee Doodle” written especially about him.”
“Following that incident, Billerica Town Meeting voted to form a group of Minutemen and join the revolution. Ditson fought the Red Coats at Merriam’s Corner in Concord on April 19, 1775.”
“There should be a statue that will be a final tribute to the people who fought for our freedom,”
**********************************************************************
**
Billerica statue will memorialize ‘Yankee Doodle’
Cast from the past
By Chris Camire, ccamire@lowellsun.com
Article Launched: 10/11/2008 07:00:40 AM EDT
BILLERICA — Inside her studio at the Faulkner Mills, Helen Potter
gently rubs her two thumbs against the clay face of an American
patriot.
The eyes she sculpted stare straight ahead with a burning intensity.
The mouth is open in a scream for freedom.
When it is finished, the life-size minuteman will appear ready to
battle, a musket tucked in his strong hands.
The idea to build the statue was dreamed up by Bill Brimer, a
Tewksbury resident and member of Billerica Colonial Minute Men. He
says it’s time that Billerica memorializes its contributions to the
American Revolution.
Potter, a Billerica artist, was hired to sculpt the figure. While she
is making progress after beginning about two weeks ago, there are
great obstacles ahead.
The cost of the clay and armature is fast approaching $4,000, and
Brimer only has about 10 percent of that in the bank. The project,
which includes casting the statue in bronze, is expected to cost
$75,000.
A daunting figure, Brimer admits, but he’s determined to see the
project through. He says he can’t do it, however, without donations
from local citizens and businesses.
“I really believe with all of my heart that a statue is an honorable,
historical and fitting tribute for the brave patriots who fought for
our freedom,” said Brimer.
Brimer is an American Revolution enthusiast. He has portrayed Thomas
Ditson in the annual re-enactment of the tarring and feathering of
Billerica’s “Yankee Doodle,” during September’s Yankee Doodle
Weekend.
On March 8, 1775, Ditson, a 33-year-old Billerica farmer, went to
Boston to buy a musket. He was arrested by British officers.
The officers and soldiers of the 47th regiment, under Col. Nesbitt,
stripped, tarred and feathered Ditson. Humiliated, he was taken
through the streets of Boston, while the British taunted him with a
verse of “Yankee Doodle” written especially about him.
Following that incident, Billerica Town Meeting voted to form a group
of Minutemen and join the revolution. Ditson fought the Red Coats at
Merriam’s Corner in Concord on April 19, 1775.
“There should be a statue that will be a final tribute to the people
who fought for our freedom,” said Brimer. “It will represent all
people in the armed forces that fought for our freedom.”
The finished statue will stand atop a 5-foot-tall rock. Brimer hopes
it will be mounted on the corner of the town common, pointing down
Concord Road.
“I’ve never seen a statue in a motion like this one before,” said
Brimer. “This fellow we designed is going some place, he’s moving.
He’s on his way to Concord.”
Donations may be sent to The Billerica Minuteman Statue Association,
Enterprise Bank, 674 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821.
Billerica Watchers Group filed a motion last week to the Siting Board regarding the information (a memo) we were presented with the DAY of the hearing. This memo was also presented to the Siting Board Officers, which prompted them to request, from the proponent, significant information about one of the items, the buffer area, which was in this memo. Billerica Watchers will also get to review the answers and ask written questions as well.
The next hearing is 10/23 and this is where the proponent will try weave their fabricated tale about a proposed power plant to the Siting Board officers. So far, it appears they aren’t buying their “supposed” expertise. And thru Ed’s (the person representing the Merrimack Valley) diligent, relentless efforts of writing briefs, rebuttal briefs, and motions (due to the Siting Board process — these were due weekly) we have raised numerous questions and the Siting Board officers will hopefully scrutinize the power plant engineers in all of their responses.
Brockton Conservation Commission rejects power plant application
*In the Brocton Power Plant case, do not let Ron Kelly’s statement have you believe that cities or town boards have no power. He is paid to put a spin on the subject.
Quote: “Advanced Power says it will appeal the unanimous denial last
week of
the Conservation Commission to the state Department of Environmental
Protection.”
“I honestly do not believe it does anything negative to the project,
because again it will go to the DEP and they will have the last
word,” Ron Kelly, project manager for Advanced Power’s plant, said
Tuesday.”
*This is a realistic interpretation on the matter.
Quote: “But a decision of the DEP can be appealed, Conservation
Commission
Chairwoman Stephanie Danielson said.
“(The DEP) can uphold the denial … or they can remand it back to
the commission,” Danielson said.
*This is the little game which the private power generating
companies’ play and why everyone who has backed us with funds or any
type of work cannot sit back and say they have already done their
part! Let’s hope the Brockton intervenors have aggressively
questioned and exposed the all the flaws in the Power companies
submissions, which will provide the legal reasoning to support the
local board’s decision.
Quote: “Advanced Power officials admitted they hadn’t done this,
saying they
instead asked state energy regulators for an exemption from local
review.
Kelly said the company has met its obligations. The pursuit of an
exemption from the state Energy Facilities Siting Board is equal to
seeking the local permits, he contended.
“There’s definitely a difference of opinion in the way the
regulations are being interpreted by the Conservation Commission,”
said Kelly, who called the commission’s decision a “subjective
interpretation” of the law.”
*In the Billerica Power Plant case, the BWG has made it as clear as possible that DG Power does not care to address any of the issues with comprehensive studies of the impacts and have stated on the record that all the submission are just “bare recitals of the impacts,” which are “incomplete and inaccurate,” the submissions cannot be considered sufficient to determine that the impacts can be classified as “minimal and insignificant” or allow the Board to determine how the “mitigation of one impact issue will effect another impact issue,” which are all required to be satisfied by law, and respectfully requested that the EFSB reject the application as, “inaccurate and incomplete.”
Quote: “The commission also raised concerns that the plant’s operation “will result in a draw-down of flow from the Salisbury Plain River,”
Danielson said.
The commission asked Advanced Power for information about potential impacts to wetland resource areas, but “the applicant did not provide any information related to what that impact might be,” Danielson
said.
On average, the project would draw 1 million gallons per day from the wastewater treatment plant for the power plant, Kelly said.
“The issue that is surrounding this denial has to do with the fact that we will take water from the Salisbury River,” Kelly said.”
*The BWG urges the Billerica’s Conservation Commission along with the Board of Health to do the same and deny the application by supporting the BWG’s concerns which have been reiterated on the EFSB record relating to the “Future” effects of the river flow displacement and “pollution concentration” which DG Power refuses to address at the hearings.
Hopefully this article and my explanation will explain why everyone who opposes this proposal or has concerns about it effects will join with us the BWG to force the company to submit complete and accurate studies which include all relevant hydrological data amongst other impact issue studies which will exemplify explicitly why this power plant proposal cannot be permitted in our Valley.
We can do this,
Ed
— In BillericaWatchers@yahoogroups.com, “Judi” wrote:
> Company says defeat no big deal because state panel can overrule local board
———-
> By Maria Papadopoulos
> ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
> Posted Oct 15, 2008 @ 02:48 AM
> BROCKTON — The company that wants to build a 350-megawatt power
plant in the city says it will appeal the Conservation Commission’s rejection of the plan.
> Advanced Power says it will appeal the unanimous denial last week of the Conservation Commission to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
> “I honestly do not believe it does anything negative to the project, because again it will go to the DEP and they will have the last word,” Ron Kelly, project manager for Advanced Power’s plant, said Tuesday.
> But a decision of the DEP can be appealed, Conservation Commission Chairwoman Stephanie Danielson said.
> “(The DEP) can uphold the denial … or they can remand it back to the commission,” Danielson said.
> The Conservation Commission, charged with protecting Brockton’s natural resources, voted Wednesday to issue an “order of conditions in the form of a denial” for the proposed plant project, Danielson
> said.
> All current members of the commission were present during the 4-0 vote at City Hall, Danielson said.
The Conservation Commission members are Danielson, James Cobbs,
> Anthony DiLallo and Gregory Enos, according to City Hall.
> The commission rejected the application because the power company did not apply for the necessary permits, including a required site plan review from the Planning Board, Danielson said.
> Advanced Power officials admitted they hadn’t done this, saying
they instead asked state energy regulators for an exemption from local
> review.
>
> Kelly said the company has met its obligations. The pursuit of an
> exemption from the state Energy Facilities Siting Board is equal to
> seeking the local permits, he contended.
>
> “There’s definitely a difference of opinion in the way the
> regulations are being interpreted by the Conservation Commission,”
> said Kelly, who called the commission’s decision a “subjective
> interpretation” of the law.
>
> The commission also raised concerns that the plant’s
operation “will
> result in a draw-down of flow from the Salisbury Plain River,” Danielson said.
> The commission asked Advanced Power for information about potential
> impacts to wetland resource areas, but “the applicant did not
provide any information related to what that impact might be,” Danielson said.
> On average, the project would draw 1 million gallons per day from
the wastewater treatment plant for the power plant, Kelly said.
> “The issue that is surrounding this denial has to do with the fact that we will take water from the Salisbury River,” Kelly said.
> Rejection of the project does not bring it to a halt, but still complicates matters, requiring added legal steps by the Swiss
company that would build the Advanced Power plant. “It will get to where we need to get to in proper and legal
fashion,” Kelly said. “I see all systems currently firing on eight cylinders.”
> The $350 million plant is slated for a 13-acre site off Oak Hill Way
> on Brockton’s south side and would primarily use natural gas, although it could also burn a type of diesel fuel.
> The project is widely opposed by city officials and by many residents, who are urging the Siting Board to reject the project at
> the state level. Possible health impacts and the use of global-warming-causing fossil fuels are among their concerns.
> The commission will issue a written order of conditions by Oct. 23,Danielson said.
> Maria Papadopoulos can be reached at mpapadopoulos@…
Tues 10/21 9pm on Ch.2 and on WGBH HD
Frontline examines the energy industry and its response to the climate problem. Rising pressure from green groups, governments and investors is forcing the industry to reshape its response.
Billerica Watchers Yard Sale
Saturday 10/25 and 10/26
8 a.m. – 4 p.m (no early birds please)
Fundraiser Yard Sale will be held at:
20 Billerica Avenue (near the Commuter Rail)
No. Billerica, MA
Dark Red house w/ white post & rail fence.
Striving to protect resources
The Lowell Sun
Article Launched: 10/22/2008
Billerica Watcher’s Group would like to thank Sen. Sue Tucker, Rep. Bill Greene and Elizabeth Souza from Rep. Jim Miceli’s office for all speaking on behalf of protecting the citizens of the Merrimack Valley and the vital resources we need (such as drinking water). They took time out of their busy schedules to learn about the issues such as air pollution, water, safety and traffic and attend this hearing in Boston.
Additionally we would like to thank Bill Williams, Billerica’s new town manager, and Abdul Alkahtib for attending as well.
Please keep these names in mind as the time draws near for election. These are the representatives who research issues and aren’t afraid to speak for the people.
CAROLINE AHDAB
secretary for Billerica Watchers
Billerica Watchers Yard Sale
Saturday 10/25 and 10/26
8 a.m. – 4 p.m (no early birds please)
Fundraiser Yard Sale will be held at:
20 Billerica Avenue (near the Commuter Rail)
No. Billerica, MA
Dark Red house w/ white post & rail fence.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND COME SUPPORT THE EFFORT AND GET THEM SOME MONEY
EXTENDED Billerica Watchers Fund Raiser Yard Sale will be held on 11/01 and 11/02- THIS WEEKEND!!!!!
EVERYBODY SHOULD DONATE STUFF AND GO TO HELP RAISE FUNDS
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (no early birds) both days
20 Billerica Avenue
No. Billerica , MA
Dark Red house w/ white post & rail fence.
Bring your “stuff” BEFORE Friday – please call Gerri to co-ordinate the time you can drop your stuff off
978-667-7737
508-633-2559 cell
IF YOU CAN’T GO SEND THEM MONEY FOR EXPERTS_IF YOU GAVE OBAMA $5 YOU CAN GIVE THESE GUYS $5.
Tonight at 7:00 PM at Billerica Town Hall, Billerica resident and Town Meeting member, Jeanne Landers, will be presenting a warrant article at the Billerica Selectmen’s Meeting. The article calls for the regulation of electric generating power plant facilities in the town of Billerica, and the evaluation of impacts to Billerica and nearby communities.
A large show of support will send a strong signal to Billerica officials about the importance of this subject, and the need for oversight and more careful and thorough evaluation of impacts.
This article will then require a special town meeting, which is guaranteed under Massachusetts General Law.
Precinct by precinct:
Congratulations to Bill Greene for sweeping all the precincts again! Now it is time for all of us to go back to work with Bill doing his best at the State Level for Billerica and the Valley, and Mr. Lucacio continuing to do his fine community work which benefits our area more than many may realize.
Precinct****Greene*****Lucacio
1***********1047***** 544
2 ***********1189*****522
3 ***********1156*****525
4 ***********1122*****582
5 ***********1183*****711
6 ************862*****562
7 ***********1089*****587
8************1072****656
9************1052****559
10***********1088****660
11************946****579
Total********11,806***6487
*************64.5% **35.4
don’t fall for rumors
Boycott Billerica. If the power plant goes in, Billerica can kiss my business goodbye. Any business in Billerica. The selectmen want revenue? Watch the businesses dry up.
BOYCOTT BILLERICA!
Follow the money. O’Donnell. Scanlon. Costello. Mo Larry and Curly
Hey Everyone,
Just in case anyone is not aware of the two meetings this week relating to the operation of a power generating facility in the Town
of Billerica which could use your support:
Wed at 7:30 the Billerica Rules Committee will be reviewing the
Proposed Town Warrant Article for adopting By-Laws for the Operation
of a Generating Facility for the upcoming Special Town Meeting
Thursday at 7:00 the Billerica Finance Committee will be reviewing
the Proposed Town Warrant Article for adopting By-Laws for the
Operation of a Generating Facility for the upcoming Special Town
Meeting
Town Meeting Member Ms. Landers would appreciate your support by
attending, which will also be an excellent opportunity for many of
you to witness your Town Government at work.
Tonight’s vote at the Billerica Rules Committee
Billerica Rules Committee will not be supporting the Proposed Town Warrant Article for adopting By-Laws for the Operation of a Generating Facility for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.
The vote took place and was then reconsidered which end with:
1 in support
2 abstentions
5 opposed
The discussion on the Warrant Article took place in front of a small group of interested citizens!
Send the trucks through F-in Billerica. They want the plant so bad- let them keep the damn trucks.
Billerica Town Meeting Members Receive a Real Turkey
From the BWG
FYI, a letter was sent to Town Meeting Members from the Billerica
Energy Center with a return address from 461 Boston Road PO Box 320
Billerica MA 01821-0320. The postmark however said it was mailed
from 02115. Of course it talks about how wonderful they are…and all
the jobs!
Please read and pay attention to the factual comments which I have
supplied **, because I have been the raising these issues and
receiving either non answers with omitted facts or unsubstantiated
responses. If you know a TM Rep please make sure you provide them
with a copy of this prior to the Dec 2 Special Town Meeting.
*****************BILLERICA ENERGY CENTER***********************
Town Meeting Member
When the state energy siting board (ESB) concluded hearings on the
Billerica power plant, BEC made important commitments to provide
additional margins of safety and public health. These commitments
address the issues raised by the Billerica Watchers Group (BWG) over
a 20 month period of hearings, which produced over 1,000 pages of
sworn testimony.
**FACT many of the commitments to safety and public health still
remain unsupported and unenforceable by any reasonable standard.
**FACT sworn testimony is only valid if you answer the questions asked, or if
you submit false and conflicting responses, that there is a consequence for
doing so!
The following are highlights of the decision and the commitment made
by BEC to make this a safe plant that is protective of the public
health:
• Air Quality- BEC will not only meet all air quality standards
but will take extra measures to reduce emissions to provide
additional margins of safety.
**FACT the BWG has Two Air Expert Engineers and the DEP has had the
BEC remodeled several times, because the company has continuously
avoided including all the “background sources” of pollution in our
area and is still resisting to conduct a comprehensive study.
• Safety- The project will meet the requirements of both police
and fire department security plans–including the enclosure and
reduced size of ammonia storage tanks–and will provide 24-hour
security for the plant.
**FACT Billerica Town counsel refuses to let the legal
representatives of the BWG review the so-called safety plans even
though the BWG representatives have agreed to enter a legally
binding “Confidentiality Agreement.” Also the newly enclosed Ammonia
Tanks may impact other Safety and Environmental Issues.
• Traffic- BEC will meet local ordinances for construction
traffic and will adhere to a maximum daily limit of 20 water trucks.
**FACT the BEC has not appeared in front of the Billerica Planning
Board and has neglected to submit any Traffic Studies which have taken all worst
case traffic scenarios into account and the only traffic study which was
submitted into the state record did not account for the operation of the BEC and
this fact is in the EFSB transcripts. Additionally 20 water deliveries equal 40
trips in and out per day and the BEC will need deliveries of other Toxic
chemicals such Aqueous Ammonia in order to operate along with other truck
traffic.
• Visual and Noise Buffers- BEC has committed to additional
tree buffering along the project border to protect residents from any
visual impact, as well as the planting of trees on homeowner’s
properties.
**FACT the company has stated at the 2007 EFSB hearings on the record
that there would only be 5ft of space available after a 30ft error in
the scale of miles in their questionable site layout was discovered
at the hearings. Now the company’s so-called experts claim they can
provide 30ft of site buffer to plant trees which equals a 60ft
deficiency in the site layout which was too tight for this type of
operation to begin with.
In recent weeks there has been a great deal of discussion about the
water requirements of the plant. We have made the following
commitments to the town regarding our water supply:
• A $1.5 million water conservation program, which will not
only offset our needs but contribute to the town’s water conservation
goals and insure additional growth. Normal requirements are about 1.5
percent of the town water supply.
**FACT the State of Massachusetts has now realized that water
resources have become a major concern to the Commonwealth and have
adopted enforceable laws beginning in 2009 to protect and insure that
water resources are available to all communities. The company stated
they are willing to provide Billerica with future PILOT funds for
upgrades to accommodate the companies needs, in other words
Billerica’s revenue for allowing such a gluten industry into town
which evaporates 90% of the water it uses town may not occur for
many, many years to come. Additionally, when Billerica needs to apply
for additional water and the DEP has to evaluate the Concord River to
see if the water is available to give to the Town, so will the water be there
after years of displacement? Will Billerica be losing revenue if forced to seek
a secondary water resource? Keep in mind water lost through leaks eventual
returns to water sheds and the river and according to the Water Department flyer
4.8 million gallons can be recovered through leaks, the BEC will need 60million
gallons to operate. To date no future impact studies have been submitted
relating to the effects of the BEC on the river, and that fact is
contained in the EFSB records.
• Vigorous investigation into the use of recycled water from
the waste water treatment plant once the plant has been updated as a
further long term reduction of our needs.
**FACT the Limited Liability Corporation will “have nothing to do
with the operation of the BEC’s operation” this statement is in the
EFSB transcripts, and the operator’s of the BEC will be a Limited
Liability Partnership who will be interested in profits not
Billerica’s water issues if we allow this to be constructed. Who will
be accepting the liability for the impaired Concord River and displacement from
either the drinking water supply or effluent water?
• Restriction of municipal water delivery to night time periods
and limits to our hourly and daily requirements to no more than 2.5
percent of Billerica’s daily requirements. This amount will be offset
by our water conservation program.
**FACT again no legitimate or binding plan has been submitted for
review just hollow assurances which will be unenforceable on a
Limited Liability Corporation who has been attempting to permit this
proposal at the State Level on assertions and not fact which will not
stand up in a court of law.
• An additional $1 million for water distribution improvements
needed for fire protection in North Billerica.
**FACT Yes, the company may provide funds but have stated publicly
that the funds will come from our future revenue. Additionally many
proposed upgrades are not needed if the BEC is not constructed.
Since BEC began the permitting process, DG Clean Power has committed
to a $30 million dollar tax payment over 20 years. A capital
investment of approximately $200 million is believed to generate the
need for at least 250 construction jobs and the purchase of goods and
services from Billerica and surrounding towns.
**TWO FACTS the so-called revenue commitment remains highly
questionable due to what American National Power pulled off in the
Town of Blackstone. Where the company promised the Town everything to
have the plant permitted and built and then several years later claimed the
energy market was soft and refused to uphold the agreement. Leaving the
Taxpayers held hostage to either make up the difference or consider more power
generating facilities to offset their losses! Our new Town counsel boasts that
he represents three towns with power plant and DG Power’s president was the
Senior Operating Executive Vice President of ANP. Hmmm?
Second fact is an agreement was entered with Pike Industries of NY
for construction of this plant if permitted and Pike has been
picketed by its own employees for unfair labor practices (check out
our previous posts on the BWG Site). We need to be asking why are
the local union reps selling out their own union people for just a
commision on the two full time employees at the Lowell Power Plant
which will become members? One full time low cost security guard will
be somewhere in the area for security!
We encourage you to visit dgcleanpower.com/Billerica.htm or call toll
free 888-353-3003 if you have any questions.
**FACT FYI, a letter was sent to Town Meeting Members from the
Billerica Energy Center with a return address from 461 Boston Road PO
Box 320 Billerica MA 01821-0320. The postmark however said it was
mailed from 02115. Lobbyists are behind the BEC effort and if you
like the condition of your 401K or the problems of your State Pension
plan from the conditions of the losing investments that were made,
then call the company and enjoy their propaganda.
Like PT Barnum said, “there is a sucker born every minute.”
Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE and I hope to see you at the DEC 2
Special Town Meeting. Rememeber to give some serious thought as to
why we need to pass this warrant article for enforcable by-laws and why the Town
should not hand DG Power a blank check. Also,think about the facts I have
supplied and have personally witnessed and am stilling experiencing as the BWG
is attempting to after two years receive honest answers.
Boycott Billerica. If these losers put a power plant in then they can kiss retail dollars goodbye. You’d better run Scanlon. You think you’ve got it tied up? Bigger fish will fry you.
Must Read: Hydro Quebec/Power Lines 12/15/08
Well here is the news we have been waiting for “Real Green Energy” and “Clean Power,” not just a false name! Now all we have to do is Stand Our Ground Legally, so we can all go back to our normal daily routines without having this unneeded albatross of a huge power plant hang over the citizenry’s head in the Merrimack Valley. This article in the near future will provide the proof that this proposal is not needed and is proposed just to make a quick buck on the consumer’s backs. Don G has been saying this from the outset of our battle.
A couple of other issues of concern:
With this project looming DG Power will be coming at us full steam ahead. We cannot stop the fight or will have one of the last of this type of a facility in New England.
Also, there goes any future revenue for the Town of Billerica once Hydro Quebec gains approval and the True Green Agenda begins to come into effect. Whoever owns the plant will just simply do what the ANP did in the Town of Blackstone just claim the market went soft and pull the revenue out from under the Town, for the Taxpayers to make up in the budget. DG Power may be operating for what two years and Hydro Quebec will be sending us Clean nonpolluting Hydro Power.
Clean Air and no threat to our “Water Resources” or Safety sounds good to me, How about You?
************************
UPDATE 1-Power cos seek OK for Quebec-New England power line
Mon Dec 15, 2008 4:44pm EST
NEW YORK, Dec 15 (Reuters) – Two New England power companies, Northeast Utilities (NU.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and NSTAR (NST.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), said on Monday they filed with U.S. federal energy regulators for permission to build a power line from Quebec to New England that would transmit at least 1,200 megawatts of low-carbon hydropower.
The proposal calls for Northeast Utilities and NSTAR to build the U.S. part of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) line from Quebec to northern New England, Jim Robb, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Northeast Utilities, told Reuters.
Hydro-Quebec, the Quebec province-owned power company, would pay for the line and recover its investment, estimated at about $1 billion for the entire project, through long-term power purchase agreements. The early estimate for the cost to build the U.S. part of the line was $700 million, Robb said.
As opposed to other big transmission lines in New England, the companies do not expect to seek to recover the cost of the project from all of the utilities in New England.
Although Northeast Utilities and NSTAR would own the U.S. portion of the line, any company could sign power purchase agreements with Hydro-Quebec to buy the power.
Robb said the companies could start construction in late 2011 with power flowing in mid 2014 when some of the 4,500 MW of new generation Hydro-Quebec is developing was expected to enter service.
Even if that new generation is not available, Hydro-Quebec should still have more than enough power to sell in part because Quebec is a winter peaking province and the demand for power in most of New England does not peak until the summer when customers crank up their air conditioners.
The line, which would transmit enough power for more than a million homes and businesses, would connect the Des Cantons substation in Quebec with a point to be determined in southern New Hampshire.
GREENHOUSE GASES
New England needs to invest in low-carbon power because of the region’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
“New England has some of the most ambitious environmental goals in the nation. With this project, we can help the region meet its energy, environmental and economic needs (and) … diversify (its) generation mix,” Charles Shivery, Northeast Utilities chairman, president and CEO, said in a release.
Robb said the line could knock out about 6 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. A typical 1,000 MW coal plant produces about 6 million tons of CO2 per year.
Northeast Utilities, of Berlin, Connecticut, transmits and distributes power and natural gas to more than 2 million customers in New England.
NSTAR, of Boston, transmits and distributes power and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Massachusetts.
Hydro-Quebec, of Montreal, owns and operates more than 40,000 MW of generating capacity (97 percent of which comes from hydro power) and transmits and distributes electricity to 3.8 million customers in Quebec. (Reporting by Scott DiSavino; Editing by David Gregorio)
UPDATE 1-Power cos seek OK for Quebec-New England power line | Industries | Industrials, Materials & Utilities | R
Town Crier December 10, 2008 by Jayne W. Miller
Power plant bylaw passes
Article includes Good Neighbor policies
Billerica- A cheer went up amongst Billerica Special Town Meeting attendees as the representatives passed an article regulating electric generating power plant facilities. The article, proposed by Town Meeting Representative Jeanne Landers after garnering over 500 signatures, seeks to give the town more authority over the permitting of a power plant. The new bylaw, which passed 97 to 77, also includes good neighbor provisions that require the consideration of a proposal’s impacts on neighboring towns.
The new bylaw requires town boards to follow a rigorous 17-point evaluation for any proposed power plant in excess of one megawatt. These boards incude the board of Selectmen, town manager, public safety, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Planning Board and the Board of Appeals. Further, each of those departments and committees are given the authority to review a project to determine if by its operation or construction it has the potential to result in a threat to public health and safety or the environment and then reject the project through a variety of mechanisms.
Landers, a 54 year resident of Billerica, began working on the article last spring after attending an environmental conference that encourages the practice of creating or reforming local bylaws as a mechanism to protect communities. Since then Landers refined the article several times and sought input from other community members. Several amendments were made on Town Meeting floor to protect homeowners that may want to install solar panels or back-up generators from being affected by the bylaw.
Landers paid particular attention to water issues in the article, noting that the siting of the proposed plant on the Concord River could affect the town in numerous ways as well as neighboring towns. The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority limits the amount of water a town is allowed to withdraw from its water source annually and with the power plant’s draw the town’s usage comes very close to the limit. The town would likely have to spend $3 million in upgrades to local infrastructure to support the power plant, an important consideration.
“There are a number of changes that would have to be made that are quite expensive to accommodate this plant,” Landers told the Crier. Indeed, Billerica residents do not have an opportunity to vote on the matter, so reliance on local boards to represent the town becomes paramount, part of the impetus to create this bylaw.
But the boards cover different areas of the permitting process. The Conservation Commission deals with welands issues while the Board of Health is concerned with air quality. Sometimes, there is some uncertainty about which committees are responsible for the puzzle pieces involved in such development. This bylaw will empower the boards to know what the others are doing. “This is such a huge process, it takes everybody’s eyes looking at it to determine what’s really going on and finding where potential problems might be,” Landers told the Crier this week. “They need to look at it as a whole project and determine what the potential impacts might be.”
Landers points to the perchlorate contamination of Tewksbury’s drinking water several years ago as an example of a possible impact. Any power plant taking from or discharging into the Concord River could cause disturbances downstream. Tewksbury takes its water supply from the Merrimack River just downstream from the confluence of the Concord River.
Residents of neighboring towns applaud Billerica’s passage of this bylaw.
“I think Town Meeting Member Landers is right on target with this warrant,” Tewksbury resident Judi Luciano told the Crier this week. “Inserting a good neighbor provision that requires “the potential or adverse impacts on communities within one mile of the site” to be taken into consideration provides a safety net in that even if the proponent of such a project does not notify the appropriate boards in Tewksbury of its intentions that Billerica would be required to do so.”
Brief state timelines make the notification portion of the bylaw particularly useful. Had local boards been notified of the plans for a major power plant on Tewksbury’s border, Selectmen or the Board of Health could have secured legal standing in the process, possibly as an intervener. As it stands, only one group, the Billerica Watchers Group (BWG), has intervener status.
Landers credits the BWG for all the work the group has done to limit the power plant developer. She believes that if it were not for BWG the plant would already be built and functioning. Landers, a participant in many BWG meetings and activities, notes that this bylaw is not a BWG effort. Rather, it is the work of a Town Meeting Representative.
“This is not a done deal. It’s important at the local level, residents should talk to selectmen and authorities and let them know your opinions on it. Because of the Watchers we still have standing,” said Landers.
Luciano agrees that a similar “good neighbor” bylaw in Tewksbury would be a good idea. “Towns in this region can’t operate in a bubble. Air quality, water supply, health and environmental issues don’t stop at a town boundary. We’re all impacted.”
Lowell resident Virginia Michaels supports the new bylaw as well. “As a very close city to Billerica, Lowell residents have a lot to be concerned about regarding this proposed power plant and its many aspects that can affect surrounding communities,” sadi Michaels. “I am very, very pleased that this warrant was first of all generated; tha the woman was enterprising enough to present it, and secondly that it passed. Power plant activities reach well beyond their immediate location and it is really crucial that these concerns be addressed.”
The bylaw will be reviewed by the Attorney General’s office to ensure compliance with Massachusetts General Laws. However, there is a provision in the bylaw stating that should one portion be out of step with current law, the remaining portions will still apply.
http://www.BillericaPowerPlant.org
From the recent Billerica Minuteman news article:
Highlights from the Planning Board
By Chloe Gotsis/Staff Writer
Wed Jan 14, 2009, 01:14 PM EST
*Attorney Steven Lentine presented a preliminary plan for Baker Commodities for a land subdivision of Baker of the Concord, which the proposed Billerica Energy Center would occupy. Lentine suggested approving the preliminary plan, but the board voted to continue the matter to Feb. 2.*
Next Meeting
The board is meeting next on Feb. 2 to discuss the Baker of the
Concord among other matters.
FYI:
Baker’s on the Concord sounds like some sort of Resort doesn’t it? The attempt to subdivide the Baker Commodities parcel and the plans submitted to the Planning left many questions which need to be answered. Did the proponents of the Power Plant and Baker Commodities really think this subdivision attempt would go unnoticed?
BTW: Mr. Lentine also stated that they were considering challenging the by-law. Furthermore, Billerica Town Counsel stated that it was a non-binding by-law, so why the challenge?
Stay Tuned for all the current updates:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
For more information: stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
Stop the Billerica Power Plant Fundraiser
Saturday 2/21/09, 7 p.m.
Music: Full Turn Band
Irish-American Club
Middlesex Turnpike
Billerica, MA
Food, Music and Raffles!
$10 per person
For tickets email caroline.ahdab@comcast.net.
Stop the Billerica Power Plant Fundraiser
Saturday 2/21/09, 7 p.m.
Music: Full Turn Band
Irish-American Club
Middlesex Turnpike
Billerica, MA
Food, Music and Raffles!
$10 per person
Donations are welcomed and all funds go for the legal defense fund to pay for experts. Pay via paypal at http://www.stopthebillericapowerplant.org or email caroline.ahdab@comcast.net to send a check.
Capobianco drops out of selectmen race
By Chloe Gotsis
Fri Feb 20, 2009, 01:40 PM EST
Billerica, Mass. –
Romolo Capobianco has dropped out of the selectmen race and is throwing his support behind fellow Composting Committee member Andrew Deslaurier.
“There’s no sense in two of us running from the committee,” said Capobianco, 68, a developer by profession and past selectmen candidate. “We figured it’s the best thing to do.”
He added, “We want to win this one…I’m going to work very hard for him because he’s really something else. He’s really a nice guy. Everybody on the compost committee speaks highly of him.”
With Capobianco, 68, out of the race, the battle for the one three-year open seat on the board is down to two contenders — Deslaurier and incumbent Jim O’Donnell.
Both Deslaurier and Capobianco serve on the 12-member composting committee, established in 2005 to implement a municipal composting program.
Capobianco said he is backing Deslaurier because they share the same strong opposing views against the Billerica Energy Center – a controversial power plant proposed for North Billerica — and Home Depot, proposed for the Billerica Mall.
Capobianco, who was elected to Housing Authority in 2005, has run unsuccessfully in the recent past for Board of Selectmen and Planning Board. He also serves as a Town Meeting representative.
Capobianco told the Minuteman his reason for running for O’Donnell’s seat was to restore $8 million he believes is owed to the town from the state for the reimbursement of two Chapter 40B housing complexes on Salem and Concord roads.
In the past, Capobianco has promoted his candidacy for various town offices with colorful signs promoting his beloved tomato farm, earning the nickname, “Tomato Man.”
It’ll be over soon. They are in trouble. The bottom is falling out of the energy market.
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_11913171
Hey Buzz, read the thread on the Lowell Sun about the Town Mangers Comments.
The only thing that has become obvious from the thread is the DG Power project team and their cronies enjoy blogging on company time. For anyone to even question the BWG, they are either one of the people who have no respect for “oaths,”“legal proceedings” and have no self respect.
The BWG was involved in the hearings and researched every aspect of the water resource issue, only to find that, the CEO of DG Power, the Company’s Vice President and their Supervising Consulting Engineer submitted into evidence at the EFSB, false statements in writing and verbally, under oath. These statements were disputed under oath at the next EFSB hearing on Water Resources by a subpoenaed witness from the Billerica DPW who the Project Team claimed to have had the conversations with.
An additional point, that was not discussed in last week’s articles from the Billerica Selectmen’s Meeting was the fact that BWG submitted three pieces of evidence to the BOS. Two from the EFSB proceedings, and one which was submitted to the Billerica BOS, which exposed that in February 2008, DG Power presented to the Billerica Board of Selectmen and DG submitted false information to the BOS relating to the fact that they would not need to purchase Air Credits for the BEC operation.
Yet, two months prior, the company’s attorney filed a statement to the contrary to the State EFSB in their Initial Brief, which should make it evident to the Billerica Board of Selectmen that Mr. Fitzpatrick was well aware that the BEC would need to purchase pollution offsets to over-pollute the Merrimack Valley to operate the BEC.
Why would any objective or open minded person “take the water issue of the Table?” The facts remain clear, and any objective or open minded person would question why a complete and accurate review of the water resource issue was not required to be conducted by the permitting state agency. DG Clean Power and their project team did not want to analyze the effects of 90% loss of water from the operation of the BEC and refused to conduct comprehensive studies, this reflects on the credibility of all the evidence entered into record at the EFSB hearings by DG Power and their project team as being acceptable to what a reasonable person would need to make a determination on the issue. D G Power had the negative results from testing the Waste Water in March of 2007 but did not enter it into evidence until request to by the BWG in July of 2008.
The BWG and the Valley does want, comprehensive studies conducted which will lead to the Truth. If DG Power does conduct comprehensive studies, the project could not be approved, due to the lack of resources to support a 348mhz power plant in this area.
If you need some proof about the health and saftey impacts of this power plant try to catch this cablecast on BATV.
The following are dates and times BATV will be airing the Tewksbury Board of Health meeting with the EH&E presentation (beginning in the schedule, the 23rd).
Mondays: 2:30pm
Tuesdays: 4:30pm
Wednesdays: 10am
Thursdays: 10pm
This is the meeting when Dr. Spengler and his team (Environmental Health & Engineering) aka the “Harvard experts” presented to the Tewksbury BOH about the UNhealthy effects of the power plant for Tewksbury. It also includes questions and concerns raised by the audience (including some members of the BWG). It was after this meeting that Dr. Spengler wrote the final report for the Town of Billerica which included the many pages of recommendations that the Town of Billerica should follow up on and the limitations of the report itself.
Please try to watch it and spread the word for others to as well.
Another Desperate Act by D G Power
Every person who is informed or paying attention to the progression of the Billerica Energy Center must be rolling on the floor laughing after reading page 8 of the March 18, 2009 Lowell Sun. We warned you about believing any of the Sun’s headlines and the full page ad titled “An open letter to the Town of Billerica” which proves the revenue produced from the advertisement dept of the paper definitely hampers the ability for the paper to remain unbiased enough to print the Truth!
Why is it, the word “conditional” is always absent from appearing in front of the word approval? Even the four bullet points which proclaim Air Quality, Safety, Traffic, and Sound have passed the state review. When in Truth, all the issues mentioned are conditioned and will be subject to a further more comprehensive review by either other State agencies or Town Boards which will require much more in formation entered into the record prior to any thought of approval. The BWG does not enjoy repeating ourselves but if a more comprehensive review is performed relating to the impacts from this proposal, it will definitely be rejected by any Board or Agency. If the proponent refuses to conduct further comprehensive studies, that will also result in rejection of the BEC.
The Water issue still remains on the table by all objective and open minded people, to reiterate DG Power had the Waste Water tested in March of 2007, and neglected to inform the State Board [EFSB] of the negative results until following the hearing process, and following the [Conditioned] Final Decision the proponents changed the project again in the hope of creating more confusion in the publics mind, of the real issue at hand the water supply. The findings on water resources by the EFSB forced this desperate act of more smoke and mirrors by DG Power.
The promise of jobs and revenue is still in question because the construction of the BEC has already been contracted to a New York Firm. PILOT agreements can be easily broken especially with a Town that does not have any surplus revenue to fight for their money in a court of law, like Billerica doesn’t have and will fall as easy prey. [Blackstone/Bellingham ect] After all you can read how Mr. Fitzpatrick states in other articles how the energy market is flat, which will result in immediate depreciation of the plant and the revenue it would produce for the Town. It will also be constructed by the least costly method available to the investors.
The only excellent statements in the whole full page add is the fact that the Full Credit of, demanding accountability from DG Power and their project team at the State Hearings by the Billerica Watchers Group is fully exposed. The BWG would have loved to run and ad Thanking all of you who have supported us and are continuing to support us to hold this Enron minded company and their well rehearsed project team’s circus act’s feet to the fire. So the BWG would like to Thank DG Power for proving that fact to the public
http://sunmarketplace.travidia.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=780663
This is a link to the ad.
Tomorrow Nights Debate – Reminder
Reminder from: BillericaWatchers Yahoo! Group
Billerica Political Debate-for school committee, planning board and selectmen
Wednesday March 25, 2009
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Billerica Town Hall – Buck Auditorium
Notes:
The debate will start at 7pm at the Buck Auditorium and also be broadcast live on channel 22 BATV.
Ned Perre (Concord, Ma. Town Moderator) will moderate the debate.
A live audience at town hall is encouraged.
This is a permanent link to the ad.
http://www.billericapowerplant.com/OpenLetter.BEC_Lowell_Sun_090318_ad.pdf
The interesting part of the ad is the fact that everything commented on is still not approved. The Billerica Watchers Group and the 22 intervenors are still awaiting answers to the many of the questions raised in the 1,000’s of pages on record. Air and Noise will be challenged as we await the DEP Air Permit rulings, Safety can not even be determined until we see an accurate site plan which was requested by the Billerica Conservation Commission [which was requested by the BWG at the EFSB and two motions were denied Hmm], and Water Resources is a complete Smoke Screen being set up by DG Power. Keep in Mind, the EFSB granted a Conditional Approval which means all Conditions must be met or the Conditional Approval is null and void! DG knew about the Waste Water Quality in March of 2007 and went through the EFSB Hearings fully knowing that they would need Municipal water to operated the BEC and still know that to be true. DG will say anything to get this approval through, which is why the Billerica Watchers Group needs your support to get to the answers and then and only then will DG Power go away.
A sad fact is if we could have raised enough funds last year before the economy went into a downward spiral by a united effort from all the neighboring communities, the BWG would have had the engineering experts at reopened hearings which would have shown how the Valley does not have the resources to support this albatross. No looking behind us now, it is time to look forward and stop this thing.
Join the Billerica Watchers Group page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BillericaWatchers/
This site will provide you with documents and accurate up to date commentary to stop this thing.
For meaningful updates and answers to your questions, you can email the BWG your address at: stopthebillericapowerplant@comcast.net
To be placed on our confidential email list
???BOYCOTT BILLERICA???
I had heard and finally had a chance to see a copy of a, “BOYCOTT BILLERICA” postcard, and I was surprised when I was asked if the Billerica Watchers Group had anything to do with the mailer. My response was no, and how it doesn’t make sense for the group to send out such a negative message. Think about this for a minute, why would our group, who has been engulfed in extremely time consuming research and hard work relating to every aspect of the proposed power plant to prevent harm to our community want anyone to boycott it? The BWG has been studying the adverse affects on our community for over two years in an attempt to protect Billerica and our neighboring towns and to request that everyone boycott all the Billerica Business would adversely affect their survival, which in turn help drive down our tax revenue?
Anyone with any intelligence would realize that running down the town’s tax revenue is more advantageous to the DG Power because these succubus industries feed on towns desperate for revenue. Power companies have a proven track record of bleeding towns ignorant enough to surrender their environmental resources and financial stability to these Enron minded industries. It is like selling your soul!
The card states, “At a time when we need to protect our air and water resources. Billerica is considering allowing a massive fossil-fuel burning power plant. Concerned citizens will not patronize businesses in Billerica if the power plant is built.”
Along with:
“Call Town Manager Bill Williams today and tell him to say “no” to the power plant #——–“
This card was addressed to a caterer in town and a card I had heard about a card that was addressed to a local store and sub shop. Can anyone tell me if any other businesses received these cards?
First, whoever wrote that to protect our air resources residents should Boycott Billerica Businesses is contradictory in their way of thinking. If everyone boycotted local business and drove out of town wouldn’t that just add more pollution to our air?
Second, the Town Manager does not have a vote on any of the environmental impact issues facing the town which will be affected by the power plant proposal. The manager’s only mistake is, he has opened his mouth selling the old worn out “Open Mind” stance on the proposal without taking the time to research the issue to any reasonable degree, and makes his statements from listening to Town Officials who have openly come out in favor of the proposal or have other personal motives. Just harassing the man to make your self feel better or important is a waste of time and effort. If you want something constructive to do join in with the BWG, because we have plenty for you to do!
Watch the church forum being televised on BATV and become educated.
If anyone has any information on who is responsible for these Boycott mailings please contact the BWG so we can discuss their lack of knowledge in their opposition of the power plant and life with them. This childish behavior does not help our cause!
Keep this in mind:
All towns in the Valley need to support their local businesses as much as possible due to the economic slow down, because local business contributes to local town’s tax bases which preserves services to the valley’s communities. Small business is the life blood of the economy in economic down turns.
DO NOT BITE THE HANDS THAT FEED YOU!
Why do you care? Camplese superpowered bandana paralegal. Cant spell. Rants- what have you done? jumped ship? where is all the money you scammed from good citizens? full of bull you are.
Hey I bet you don’t think we can find out who you are!
Here are just four of the posts on this site from the twelve year old mind who mailed out the Boycott Billerica Posts Cards, check this thread and you can see for yourself.
Alternative said
November 7, 2008 at 6:44 am
Boycott Billerica. If the power plant goes in, Billerica can kiss my business goodbye. Any business in Billerica. The selectmen want revenue? Watch the businesses dry up.
BOYCOTT BILLERICA!
Alternative said
November 21, 2008 at 2:30 am
Send the trucks through F-in Billerica. They want the plant so bad- let them keep the damn trucks.
Boycott Billerica said
December 10, 2008 at 2:15 am
Boycott Billerica. If these losers put a power plant in then they can kiss retail dollars goodbye. You’d better run Scanlon. You think you’ve got it tied up? Bigger fish will fry you.
Alternative said
April 17, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Why do you care? Camplese superpowered bandana paralegal. Cant spell. Rants- what have you done? jumped ship? where is all the money you scammed from good citizens? full of bull you are.
First, it clear from the November 21, 2008 post that Alternative is not from Billerica, “Send the trucks through F-in Billerica,” so that would eliminate any thought that the postcards could have come from any “Sour Grapes” supporters that may have been upset about the Billerica Election results.
Second, Let’s see truck traffic makes me think about Tewksbury!
Third, Looks like someone is attacking Rich Scanlon, Hmm.
Fourth, I knew when I posted the two articles from the Boston Herald on the Billerica Watchers Group site and Tewksbury Issues which stated facts about the “Cap and Trade” policy emptying the pockets of the consumers, and spoke the inconvenient truth about your hero Al Gore that I could flush you out.
Fifth, you know all those dirty little rumors you and your spouse have been spreading around about where did all the money go from the Watchers Benefit? Well, watch out who you are talking to because your little simple minded bunch of frustrated little Tea Totters who are to lazy to do any valid research to stop this plant talk way too much and what you have been saying all comes back to BWG.
Six, What a clever name to hide behind, “Alternative” alternative to what the BWG? Hmm, could it be that it stands for, maybe the alternative to actually doing anything constructive or legally to help stop DG Power from putting this plant in. Maybe you really don’t want to stop it, which is why you do everything you can to discredit the only Group who can, the BWG.
BTW: Every dollar donated to the BWG can be accounted for and every dollar paid out to experts, filing fees, right down to the paper and ink the BWG uses, is accurately documented. We are sacrificing time for the community without any compensation for ourselves, but you wouldn’t understand that because you are probably mad about not getting your faces on the network news so your insignificant little lives can mean something to your cronies. Also stop having your cronies email about why the BWG didn’t appeal. I know you did not like my response when he forwarded the accurate response to you.
For all you early birds tomorrow morning on
FM 91.5 WMUL
At 7:00AM on the Morning Drive By Show
Several Members of the Billerica Watchers Group will be on the air discussing
The Billerica Power Plant Issues with Danielle Brown
http://www.wuml.org/
BWG Update: 5/08/09
In a letter received by the Billerica Conservation Commission dated May 7, 2009 the applicants for the Billerica Energy Center are withdrawing their Notices of Intent (NOI’s) which have been under review by the Commission. The proponents claim that they “desire to conduct further evaluations of alternatives through the MEPA review and air permit process,” then went on to state, that, “the Commission did not agree with the request presented by the Applicants and instead scheduled the hearings for June 10, 2009.”
The Applicants also state the current schedule did not provide appropriate “time for information in support of these NOI’s to be developed for full review by the Commission and the public.” “New NOI’s will be filed in the future when further evaluation of alternatives and necessary information has been developed.” The letter was signed by Barry P. Fogel.
Here again this letter provides proof of what the BWG has stating for over two years now, that DG Power and their project team has been and will continue to attempt to sell the citizens of “Our Valley” a false “Bill of Goods.” The Cumulative Effects of this power plant proposal will be detrimental to the overall “Quality of Life” and the natural resources of Our Valley. My questions are as follows:
How could a company, who has exclaimed that they are so-called professionals at constructing power plants, submit NOI’s and other information without taking the time to properly prepare the information to support the documents?
My other question is what these so-called professionals up to are by stating they “desire to conduct further evaluations of alternatives through the MEPA review and air permit process,” and what maneuvers around laws will they attempt next? After all they have a conditional approval from the Siting Board and we still do not have an accurate site plan or layout, so how can this conditional approval from the Siting Board be valid?
The BWG and the twenty-two intervenors would like you to know that we will be eagerly awaiting the new NOI submittals for review with the possibility of petitioning the EFSB to reopen the hearings to review the changes proposed. With your continuing support we will have our certified experts prepared to examine the changes and appear with us at the hearings if, or when, the BWG can petition for a reopening like we achieved on the water resource issue in the summer of 2008.
Interesting web site Hope to definitely visit again!
Concord river is a beautiful treasure . The residents of Concord are proud of it. We should protect our end of the famous, historic river.My daughter works for a power company says:It has to go somewhere. PLEASE SOMEWHERE ELSE DON’T PROFIT FROM OUR ILL HEALTH/ HELEN