Biomass battle continues in Spfld

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The biomass battle continues in Springfield, as environmental groups and city councilors continue their attempts to stop construction of a wood burning plant on Page Boulevard.

The Springfield Building Commissioner recently issued a new construction permit to Palmer Renewable Energy. Now activist groups and some city councilors are lashing out against that move.

“I think absolutely the people's voices are being ignored,” said Ward 2 City Councilor Mike Fenton. He was one of ten councilors who voted to revoke Palmer Renewable Energy's special permit back in May. Now he's leading the charge against a new permit granted by the city's building commissioner.

Members of Stop Toxic Incineration Springfield testified at Monday's city council meeting, urging councilors to adopt two resolutions. The first negates PRE’s claim that they don't require a special permit to build. The second calls on the state to prevent the developer from building without a state air permit.

A state permit was granted to Palmer, but is currently under appeal. Activists told 22News until that appeal is resolved, state law says no construction can be done.

“In fact the regulations define construction to include the building of the foundation,” explained Conservation Law Foundation attorney Jennifer Rushlow, “which is exactly what the building permit which was issued by Commissioner Desilets here provides for. He was aware of those regulations. It’s not clear to me why he felt he had the ability to do that when the state regulations, which clearly supersede any local ordinances, said otherwise.”

All but three city councilors voted to approve the resolutions, just another step in what will no doubt be a long legal battle.

Next up: At a special meeting scheduled for Monday the 28th at 6 p.m. councilors will meet to decide whether to formally appeal the permit granted by Commissioner Desilets.