Regional Impact, Four Large Power Plants

Left: Developer Matt Wolfe, 34, principal of Cambridge-based Madera Energy, answering questions posed by the Greenfield, Massachusetts, Zoning Board of Appeals.

Two weeks ago, as a reporter for Northampton's Valley Advocate, I traveled to Western New England College in Springfield to cover a panel discussion on biomass plant development in Western Massachusetts. (Plants are planned for Springfield, Pittsfield, Russell, and Greenfield.)

There has been no state-level analysis to date of the combined impact of the four plants on our region-- yet state environmental chief Ian Bowles seems to be fast-tracking these projects through the permitting process.

Read my report here: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=9967

Local journalism on the biomass issue: Monte Belmonte, WRSI radio host, has posted a terrific podcast interview with engineer Mark Beaubian, who, in high science geek style, takes issue with information presented by project developers. Here's another podcast interview w Beaubian, who blasts state and local government for fast-tracking biomass plants in Western Massachusetts.

Monte has also posted a podcast interview with Electrical worker Bob Wilson, who supports the plant.

Chris Collins Calls Out Gfld ZBA

WHMP News Director Chris Collins, in a podcast posted today, takes the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals to task for voting on Madera Energy's special permit application at 8 o'clock on a Monday morning.


"I don't care how anybody on the board feels personally about this issue...What I do care about is that they uphold the town zoning regulations and have some respect for the people whose interest they're appointed to protect."

hear it: http://podcast.whmp.com/whmp/1822839.mp3

Greenfield ZBA approves Biomass Burner

On Monday morning, at an 8 AM meeting, the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals granted Matt Wolfe of Madera Energy the special permit he's been seeking from the town to build a $2.5 million, 47- megawatt wood-burning biomass electrical plant on a property next to the town's industrial park. The board imposed a number of conditions upon the project.

Some charge that the meeting was not posted 48 hours in advance, and that a violation of state open meeting law occurred.

Wolfe will still need several state and federal permits. Read local reporting on the meeting here:

Anita Fritz in the Greenfield Recorder
Anita Fritz in the Daily Hampshire Gazette (longer story, subscription required)
David Vallette on MassLive
Nate Walsh for ABC40
WWLP clips on Greenfield biomass
Montaguema.net forum