Posted by Ed on June 10, 2008, 8:19 pm
98.217.39.82
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?"
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