State revokes permit for proposed Springfield biomass plant
Published: 4/4/2021 8:40:31 PM
SPRINGFIELD — A proposed biomass power plant, long the subject of controversy and opposition, had its air quality permit revoked by the state Department of Environmental Protection on Friday.
The proposed wood-burning plant is being developed by Palmer Renewable Energy. However, in a letter to the company, MassDEP western regional office director Michael Gorski said the DEP was revoking the proposed East Springfield plant’s permit because construction had not commenced within a two-year time frame. Environmental concerns were also cited.
“MassDEP has determined to exercise this authority due to the amount of time that has elapsed since issuance of the PRE (Palmer Renewable Energy) Final Plan Approval, more recent health-related information, and the heightened focus on environmental and health impacts on environmental justice populations from sources of pollution during the intervening years,” reads part of the letter.