May 30, 2008
Massachusetts
Massachusetts
A group of town residents has appealed the Conservation Commission’s approval of the proposed wind project to the state Department of Environmental Protection, prompting the department to conduct a site review Thursday.
“We feel that there will be damage done to the environment if the turbines are erected in this location,” said Fairhaven resident Ann DeNardis, who is representing the 14 people requesting a superseding order of conditions from the DEP.
In their appeal, the project’s opponents questioned the accuracy of the wetlands delineation done by developer CCI Energy.
“We’re asking for the DEP to review the situation and to order (the developer) to correct the boundary,” Ms. DeNardis said.
CCI Energy is proposing to erect two, 397-foot wind turbines on town-owned land adjacent to the waste treatment plant on Arsene Street.
Thursday’s site review was just one part of the appeal process, according to Theresa Barao, a spokeswoman for the DEP. The DEP will also review information submitted by all parties.
The project’s opponents plan to submit evidence supporting their position, Ms. DeNardis said. According to James Sweeney, CCI’s president, the DEP should have a verdict on the appeal in about two weeks.
“I think it went well,” he said of the site inspection. “We expect that we’ll have a favorable review.”
Selectman Brian Bowcock, who has been a strong supporter of the project, said he believes the state will find there was no basis for an appeal.
“It seems that this group of individuals is bent on trying to prevent the project by stalling and trying to put as many roadblocks in the way of the project as possible,” he said.
While the delays directly affect the developer, the town could make about $2 million over the course of its contract with CCI Energy and thus also has a financial stake in the project, according to Dr. Bowcock
“The town may seek legal recourse,” he said. “We have that option also.”
By Charis Anderson
Standard-Times staff writer
30 May 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/05/30/group-appeals-fairhaven-wind-project-approval/