Posted by Ed on March 4, 2007, 12:20 am A natural gas plant proposed for a North Billerica site is generating skepticism from residents in town as well as those in neighboring Tewksbury, while an article proposed for the spring Town Meeting warrant seeks to ensure the town will benefit from revenues the plant might generate. Finance Committee member Al Ramos has submitted a warrant article calling for tax revenues from the plant to fund improvements such as work on sidewalks, renovating recreational fields in town, and funds for open space. Ramos said the article assumes that the plant garners all necessary local, state and federal approvals. The proposal, submitted by developer DG Clean Power of Thornton, N.H., features a 480-megawatt, $230 million peaking power plant, that will run mostly on natural gas, that will run roughly 1,500 hours a year — or about 17 percent of the time — during peak power usage. Chief Assessor Richard Scanlon estimated the plant could generate as much as $4.8 million in property taxes for the town per year. Standing about 70 feet high, the plant’s eight turbines would use natural gas, supplemented with ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel when demand for natural gas is high. The company could begin construction of the plant early next year and bring it online around November 2008. Plans for call for construction of the plant on a 14-acre plot of land off Billerica Avenue, not far from the Tewksbury border. The project entity, Montgomery Billerica, is a joint venture between Montgomery Energy of Burlington, Conn., and DG Clean Power. Joe Fitzpatrick, president and chief executive officer of DG Clean Power, said that through the permitting of the Department of Environmental Protection, the plant would not be allowed to expand past the acreage that is outlined in the plan. “We are confined to those 14 acres legally and practically,” Fitzpatrick said, adding that although space around the plant is undeveloped, it would be unsuitable for construction because of the high percentage of wetlands. “There is a power deficit in Eastern Massachusetts, and a large generator will provide needed energy support for greater Lowell,” said Fitzpatrick. As manufacturing has decreased and the technology and business sectors have grown, more people work standard business hours, creating a growing spike in electricity use in the early evening, Fitzpatrick said. However, Camplese said he is concerned that language in proposal might allow for the plant’s future expansion beyond the 14-acre foot print. Fitzgerald said the new plant would be a net plus for air quality. Every kilowatt this new clean-running plant generates will be one less from an old, dirty one, he said. As to noise, he said the plant will have sound-reduction equipment, and the company is doing noise assessment tests. “I can almost say categorically that people will not hear it,” he said. The town has enlisted the help of Dr. Jack Spengler of the Harvard School of Public Health to study what the health effects of the plant would be on the surrounding towns and their residents. “We think with his support and service health issues will be addressed,” Town Manager Rocco Longo told the Board of Selectmen and the board’s meeting Monday. Billerica Watchers formed last December as a result of many construction projects proposed throughout town, including Village Crossing, a proposed 61-unit housing complex on a 12-acre plot of land off Bridge Street, which the Planning Board rejected in January. Billerica residents, like Tewksbury residents in the immediate area around the proposed power plant, received a public relations packet informing them of the plans. Tewksbury seeks info Tewksbury town residents and officials are also concerned. Tewksbury Town Manager David Cressman received an Environmental Notification Form about it and responded immediately. “One concern is water quality and the proximity to the Concord River and spillage of ammonia or fuel,” said Cressman. “The question is, is there adequate containment?” Tanks holding 500,000 gallons each of diesel fuel and aqueous ammonia will be stored on the site, according to the proposal. Cressman said he met with company officials last month, and so far, he is satisfied with their response. State Rep. James Miceli, who represents Tewksbury, said he is talking with officials at the state Executive office of Environmental Affairs, to express the concern that Tewksbury’s interests are protected. Montgomery Billerica Power Partners filed a petition to the state Energy Facility Siting Board in mid-February, outlining the Billerica plant’s specifications and potential environmental impact. It is the beginning of reams of paperwork ahead before construction begins.
24.34.144.49
Concern on both sides
By Brendan Lewis and Linda Kush
Thursday, March 01, 2007 - Updated: 02:49 PM EST
“We’d like some serious answers,” said Ed Camplese, a member of Billerica Watchers, a group of residents concerned about various projects proposed in town. Camplese said the group wants to know the effects the plant will have on the health of area residents as well as the strain on town utilities such as water.
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