Petition Could Derail Wood Burning Power Plant’s Plans

Citizens’ petition could complicate permitting process for Needham, Mass. company.

 

A petition signed by 45 Athens, Mass., residents has been submitted to the town clerk, which could stall the approval process when Needham, Mass.-based GenPower LLC submits an application to burn demolition debris at its proposed power plant, according to a report in the Morning Sentinel (Augusta, Maine).

 

The petition against the burning of demolition debris, tires or garbage could force a referendum vote on the issue, according to the report.

 

The Morning Sentinel reports that GenPower wants to build a $75 to $80 million plant at the same site where a Boralex wood-burning power plant was forced to close three years ago.

 

A company spokesman tells the Morning Sentinel that the plant will burn no more than half demolition debris—the rest of the fuel will be composed of clean wood chips.

 

GenPower has not yet applied for an air-quality permit, according to the report.