According to DEM…
In addition to two vernal pools within the footprint of the proposed CREC, both of which were found to have wood frog and spotted salamander egg masses in the spring, the Applicant indicated that there are an additional three vernal pools out of a total of fourteen depicted on plan sheets "that are within approximately 40 feet of proposed construction activities on the TNEC ROW [Burrillville Interconnection Project]. The other eleven vernal pools are not close to proposed tree clearing or construction activities." It is difficult to determine the exact distances of the fourteen vernal pools in and along the ROW from the proposed limits of clearing and disturbance from simply reviewing the RIDEM and USACE Permit Drawings submitted by the Applicant. However, based on those drawings the depictions of these vernal pools seem to contradict the Applicant's assertion (i.e. far more than three of them appear to be close enough to be impacted by tree clearing and other work).
Additionally, while forty feet may be a reasonable distance to assess direct impacts to individual pools, such as the loss of shade, it cannot be assumed to cover all impacts to species that use these pools, such as the forest dwelling wood frogs and spotted salamanders.
The Town of Burrillville recognizes that a pull-quote does not tell the whole story. In our point-of-view, this excerpt is indicative. While DEM was unable to draw definitive conclusions, the Town of Burrillville concludes that this power plant is not needed and is harmful to Burrillville, Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Follow these links to read the DEM advisories and drawn your own conclusions: [9-12-16 DEM Advisory Opinion] and [8-15-17 DEM Supplemental Advisory]
Town of Burrillville
105 Harrisville Main St.
Harrisville, RI 02830
401-568-4300