[WestMALocals] Fight the Power | Stop Russell Biomass LLC

[Owen Broadhurst]

http://wmass.indymedia.org/newswire/display/879/index.php
http://www.masslive.com/chicopeeholyoke/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1155800446168600.xml&coll=1
http://www.masslive.com/metrowest/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1155369131106550.xml&coll=1
http://www.mass.gov/doer/rps/rps_regev_fcomments_jc.pdf#search=%22%22Russell%20Biomass%22%2C%20opposition%22
http://www.mass.gov/doer/rps/rps_regrev_final_comments.htm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/08/05/wood_burning_plants_gain_power/
http://www.cbs3online.com/news/local/3586156.html


Hello, folks -

For those unfamiliar with this project as of yet, a few facts:

* Russell Biomass is a glorified incinerator, a proposed "wood-burning"
power plant that would emit over one ton of air pollutants per minute. These
pollutants include carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and
particulate matter that penetrates lung tissue. To make matters worse,
Russell Biomass LLC is now petitioning to burn construction and demolition
debris so that it may generate ever larger quantitities of even far more
hazardous pollutants.

* Russell Biomass will spew these pollutants in an area known already to
have the worst air quality throughout the state. Hampden and Hampshire
counties have received grades of "F" from the American Lung Association on
ozone pollution (smog), while Hampden County has the very worst small
particle pollution count within the state. Ozone and particle pollution have
dangerous health effects that include wheezing, shortness of breath,
pulmonary inflammation, increased risk of asthma, and premature death.

* Russell Biomass will require no less than 840 one way diesel tractor
trailer trips per week. Diesel fumes are known to be responsible for more
than 450 premature deaths per year within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


* Russell Biomass will drain 886,000 gallons of water from the Westfield
River per day. This, of course, could be more than 10% of the river's volume
during times of low flow, within a river that is freqently beset by drought.
Russell Biomass would also release up to 133,000 gallons of heated water
back into the river daily. Russell Biomass LLC therefore constitutes a
threat
to not only the trout fishery, not only the salmon restoration project, but
several threatened and endangered species.

* Russell Biomass will be located 600 feet from nearest homes, and 1600 feet
from an elementary school.

===============================

Russell Biomass LLC has now petitioned the Department of Telecommunications
and Energy to set aside the zoning laws of the Town of Russell in order to
permit them to burn construction and demolition debris.

The Concerned Citizens of Russell have begun work organizing a regional
coalition to combat this menace. As a result, they have now joined forces
with a great many civic organizations, environmental groups, and area
businesses. This list includes:

The Toxics Action Center
Clean Water Action
The Hilltown Anti-Herbicide Coalition
Watchdogs for an Environmentally Safe Town (WEST)
Park Square Realty
Home Environmental Services, Inc.
Westwood Restaurant and Pub
Huntington Country Store
New Horizons Sports
Marla Blaire's Fly Fishing Guide Service
Terry's Barber Shop
Wilson & Assoc. Therapeutic Massage
Jesters Coffee House and Deli
Performance Music
Absolute Nutrition Center
Subway Restaurants in Westfield
K & M Recording Studio
Elm Pizza
Platterpus Records
The Hut
Tymer's Army & Navy
Therapeutic Massage Center of Westfield
Game City
Dragonfly Books
Tobacco Barn

Folks may note a lot of Westfield city businesses listed. Our hope is for
more throughout the Pioneer Valley.

====================

Several other notable individuals and organizations have expressed
opposition in various ways:

The American Lung Association of Massachusetts joined the Concerned Citizens
of Russell and the Toxics Action Center to call a press conference August
16, announcing the creation of the Pioneer Valley Preservation Coalition.

The Sierra Club has expressed concerns, and the Center for Democracy and the
Constitution is in flat out opposition.

Westfield Mayor Richard Sullivan announced public opposition to the DTE
granting Russell Biomass a zoning exemption.

Meterologist and Westfield City Councilor Jason Russell is 100% opposed to
the project.

Westfield River Watershed Association President Kathy Meyer expressed
concern over how 17.5% of the Westfield River's flow could be taken on days
matching the record low flow point.

The Berkshire Environmental Action Team has expressed opposition to the
power plant.

The New England Grassroots Environmental Fund awarded the Concerned Citizens
of Russell a $1500 grant.

====================

Please learn more regarding the hazards, and the valiant efforts of the
Concerned Citizens of Russell -

http://www.concernedcitizensofrussell.org/index.php

info at concernedcitizensofrussell.org

(413) 862-0037

Concerned Citizens of Russell
P.O. Box 481
Russell, MA 01071-0481

The Concerned Citizens of Russell meet every Monday night, 7 PM, at the VFW
on Route 20 in Russell.

The Department of Telecommunications and Energy hearing is scheduled
September 13, 7 PM at the Russell Elementary School, 155 Highland Ave., just
off Route 20 in Russell.

Public comments are being accepted by the DTE until September 20th.

The biomass plant's abutters have also filed a permit appeal that shall be
heard in state land court. The expected date of this trial is in October. No
buildings in Russell can exceed 35 feet in height, but  a Planning Board
that outraged citizens now have ejected approved of it - illegally,
petitioners contend.

The DTE's approval could make this appeal moot. These folks need assistance.
Please enlist your communities and community groups in this struggle.

Please seriously consider this appeal.

Owen R. Broadhurst

-- 
Owen R. Broadhurst
Candidate for State Representative
Third Hampden District
http://www.owenbroadhurst.org