EFSB to get more input on Invenergy water plan

BURRILLVILLE — The state Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB) Monday voted to ask for five supplemental advisory opinions on a new water supply plan Invenergy is proposing for its 1,000megawatt power plant in Pascoag.

In addition to the Burrillville building inspector, the Rhode Island Department of Health, Department of Environmental Management, Department of Transportation and Statewide Planning will have four months to provide supplemental advisory opinions to address the impacts of the proposed new water plan and gaps identified in the original advisory opinions.

Specifically, Burrillville Town Building Inspector Joseph Raymond will be asked to provide an advisory opinion on the impact of Invenergy's new water plan and an analysis of additional information submitted by the power company regarding soil erosion, sediment control, stormwater management and building plans.

Meanwhile, Statewide Planning will be asked to address all 18 elements of the state guide plan including environmental issues such as biodiversity, impact on wildlife and ecosystems and recreational considerations.

The supplementary opinions were requested by the Conservation Law Foundation and the Town of Burrillville, both of which have filed lawsuits ….

"It would seem there are many aspects of the Invenergy proposal still being developed," said Burrillville Town Council President John F Pacheco. "This is an enormous project for Burrillville and the region, and 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," he added.

According to the EFSB’s rules and regulations, agencies asked to submit advisory opinions on an application are allowed up to six months to do so, but the board has decided to ask for an interim status report on the advisory opinions with final reports due within four months.

Several weeks ago, the EFSB unanimously voted to deny separate motions by Burrillville and the Conservation Law Foundation to dismiss Invenergy’s application. The town’s original motion to dismiss was filed in September on the grounds that Invenergy’s application is incomplete and did not include information regarding all required support facilities, including water resources. The EFSB, which will have final say on whether the plant is built, voted a month later in October to suspend the application and ordered the company to report back by Jan. 11 with a new plan to secure water for the $700 million Clear River Energy Center after two water suppliers in Burrillville rejected proposals to sell water.

On Jan, 11, the last day of the suspension period and the day after the Johnston City Council approved a long-term agreement to sell water to the company, Invenergy filed its revised water supply plan.

The board’s final decision is due within 120 days of the beginning of the final hearings or 60 days after the end of the hearings, whichever is shorter.