Supplemental Opinions Requested
Burrillville Building Inspector and Several State Agencies Asked to Provide Supplementary Advisory Opinions on Invenergy Power Plant Proposal
EFSB Notes Gaps in Original Application and Also Asks for Opinions on Impact of New Water Plan- Questions to Be Answered Concern Environment, Traffic and Health
The Energy Facility Siting Board today asked for 5 supplemental advisory opinions on the proposed Invenergy power plant following a motion by the Town of Burrillville which sought much needed further analysis on the critical project.
The Burrillville Town Building Inspector is asked to provide an advisory opinion on the impact of Invenergy’s new water plan and analysis of additional information submitted by Invenergy regarding such items as soil erosion, sediment control, stormwater management and building plans.
“It would seem there are many aspects of the Invenergy proposal still being developed,” said Burrillville Town Council President John F Pacheco III. “This is an enormous project for Burrillville and the region- one that needs to be fully studied before moving to final hearing phase. There is much we don’t know about the proposed plant’s operational plan, viability, need and impact on the environment and community. We are gratified that the EFSB recognized the need for additional analysis.”
In addition to the Town Building Inspector, the EFSB asked the Rhode Island Department of Health, Department of Environmental Management, Department of Transportation and Statewide Planning to provide supplemental advisory opinions. Those opinions to address the impacts of the proposed water plan and gaps identified in the original advisory opinions.
Of particular note- the EFSB specified that Statewide Planning address all 18 elements of the state Guide Plan including environmental issues such as biodiversity, impact on wildlife and ecosystems and recreational considerations.
The EFSB is asking for an interim status report on the advisory opinions and the final reports are due within 4 months.
Town of Burrillville
105 Harrisville Main St.
Harrisville, RI 02830
lphaneuf@burrillville.org
401-568-9453