City plans to sue over biomass plant

Greenfield's proposed biomass plant has been a item of controversy for residents who say "not in my back yard."

Angry Franklin County residents are now threatening to sue the state if the $25 million 45-megawatt wood burning power plant is approved.

Residents told 22News they are not upset about the plant itself, but that the state has given them very little information.

Residents are asking the state to mandate that plant builders give the city an environmental impact report to see how it will effect their area. Residents are also wondering where the wood that will be burned at the plant will be taken from.

Attorney Margaret Sheehan is representing the residents of Greenfield. She sent a letter to the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Ian Bowles, informing him of the city's intent to file a lawuit.

Sheehan sites that the law requires an environmental impact report on how the plant might damage the enviornment -- from area forest lands to air quality.

"We're saying carbon dioxide is carbon dioxide whether it comes from the tailpipes of our cars or it comes from a smoke stack," Sheehan said.

The next step in the process is a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting that is scheduled for June 10.

Earlier this week, residents became upset when a zoning meeting for the plant was postponed for the second time. When no public officials came to the session at the Greenfield Middle School, they held the hearing themselves.