I-Team: Protected land at the Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Hard Rock International and the Big E have some environmental hurdles to get through before a casino can be built there.

The Big E is near the Westfield River which means there's a great deal of property protected by the state's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, meaning no one can build on it.

According to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, animal species like the Great Blue Herron, Painted Turtles and Bald Eagles have spotted near the site, and they want to protect them.

Big E Chief Executive Officer Eugene Cassidy told the I-Team they're working with consultants to help tailor their casino proposal to not disturb the protected land.

"Eastern states we have as an agricultural organization, we certainly are very sensitive to the whole environmental issue, so no one is going to compromise us in the equation and the buildings will be constructed paying sensitive attention to all of the regulations and the natural habitat," said Eugene Cassidy, President of Eastern States Exposition.

According to Mass Audubon's Jack Clarke the developer will be subject to strict environmental review after the Gaming Commission awards them  a state gaming license and they start applying for building permits.

The State Gaming Commission still has to choose which of the four proposals in western Massachusetts will be awarded the license.