Posted by Ed
on March 5, 2008, 1:49 am
24.34.144.49
A Sad Day for the Merrimack Valley!
Before I start, I would like to make one Point clear. Jen Myers whose name is on the: Doc Plant Not a Threat “Consultant tells residents power facility not dangerous” Lowell Sun article is a very good reporter. She has covered the Pollution Plant Proposal for well over a year now and has been as fair as possible. The Lowell Sun’s front page article after Mondays Billerica Selectmen’s Meeting was an utter disgrace to Journalism, and I know Jennifer must have submitted much better information and story, because that did not even sound like the same meeting many of us attended. My question is who did the editing, advertising and sales department? Those full page ads, along with being buddies with the editor can really destroy the “TRUTH” and that article was a perfect example of it. I know you are all monitoring this site and frankly I don’t care and will tell the same thing to your face.
Quote, “Scientist David MacIntosh explained that at maximum potential impact, the plant's emissions of particulate matter, less than 2.5 microns in size, would add about .009 microns per cubic meter to the atmosphere annually.” When questioned on his statements, he back peddled all night, and without the proper modeling having been conducted impossible to determine.
Quote, “MacIntosh clarified his data by stating that the added pollution from PM 2.5 and NO2 would be equivalent to spending less than one additional minute sitting in your car in traffic every day for one year, or spending less than one minute per day for a year in a kitchen using a gas-powered oven.” If he had said anything else, Mr. Fitzpatrick would not have suggested that Town consider EH&E for an Independent Consultant at the September 2006 Selectmen’s Meeting nor ever be hired to conduct this type of study, again. Another unverifiable statement!
Quote, “MacIntosh said his team conducted additional air modeling above what the developer had done, taking into account the impact on seven abutting municipalities and 33 sensitive points, such as day-care centers, schools, parks and adult-care facilities.” Right, then why did the three of them stand there speechless when Selectman Lombardo presented a chart which included all emission background sources for pollutants, emissions of air toxins, and others, which will expose all the violations of the Air Standards as was clearly shown on the chart!
Quote, “"We went through the modeling done by the proponent with a fine-tooth
comb," said scientist Joe Sabato.” Evidently there were a lot of teeth missing from that comb or it was toothless Joe. You claimed on this site months ago you were going, to work with us, See Posts, (225, 226, 230, 235, 237, 300, 348, and 785). We hope you are doing do a cumulative risk analysis for air toxins Joe.
“Selectman Jim O'Donnell asked Spengler if he would be concerned with the health risks associated with this plant if he lived in town.”
Quote, “"No," Spengler answered."I would not be personally concerned." Whoever edited this article did Dr. Spengler no justice at all, and again without conducting all the proper modeling it is apparent he does not live around here.
I spoke with the good Dr. Spengler and Mr. Sabato after the Meeting and with all due respect a Consultant only conducts the tests which they are requested to do and paid to do. The BWG never questioned their abilities, and when I spoke with them about the, “Dr. Death” sign and how he did not care for it, I explained to him about the front page headline in the Sun, Health firm: Foes of power plant wrong “Consultants say Billerica watchdog group distorts their stance,” which was also used as Propaganda in the full page ads which he had just seen in the Sun, and had been run in other local newspapers. He explained to me how he was NOT pleased with how the paper or the Power Polluters portrayed the interview, and the headline was not a quote from EH&E!!! I explained that was the reason why the signs were there!
So, when Mr. Lombardo who is not an Air quality expert, but an intelligent Selectman held a formidable conversation on Air Quality with these Scientists, Quote, “Spengler and his team agreed to go back to their office to look at sulfur-dioxide and carbon-monoxide emissions, review additional air modeling provided by Lombardo, and provide the town with recommendations of requests to make of the proponent.” The studies must be provided to the Board of Selectmen and not the Town Manager, who works for the Board.
My apologies to EH&E for having to go public with these statements but, they can thank the Lowell Sun’s Editor, and DG Limited Liability Power Polluters for these comments.
Once trust is broken, you have to earn it back! So we will provide you with our files and we will be expecting your files and results in return. Quote, “Spengler advised the board to "trust but verify" statements and promises made by DG Clean Power.” The Billerica Watchers Group attempted that already, and received only subjective and unverifiable responses from the Power Polluters Limited Liability Co. Plus, once this project is permitted, DG will have no further interests in the operation!
Pay attention EH&E.
BTW, left out of the article was Chairman Rosa firmly addressing the EH&E group wanting to know why information had not been submitted to the Board to properly evaluate this proposal and if they were working for the Town of Billerica, how they should perform the studies and supply this information to the Town, for the necessary boards for review. Good Job Mike.
We asked about the studies at the EFSB and while under oath Mr. Fitzpatrick said, ask the town manager. Good idea Joe.
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