Adage Mason LLC, a proposed biomass project of a multi-national partnership of Duke Energy and Areva, has stated that they are pulling out of both their proposed projects in Mason County, Washington and Hamilton, Florida.
However, the permitting process continues for the Environmental Impact Policy (SEPA) and Air Permit until they are officially withdrawn. Michael Dorcy, Mason County Prosecutor, issued an opinion, on March 9, 2011, to Mason County Department of Community Development that states: "...the proposed ADAGE project is an energy recovery facility requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prior to its operation."
Fran Prescott, Chair of Concerned Citizens of Mason County, commented that the community was pleased that the plant may not be built. The completion of an EIS process will allow the appropriate time and resources to be spent analysing the impact of this project on the community and the environment.
The proposed plant, which would burn over 600,000 tons of wood each year, would be located on Port of Shelton property on Johns Prairie Road, near the homes and school in Hiawatha Park, the ball fields of the MCRA and the hospital.
The EIS can also address to what extent the health and safety of the community will be put at risk from fire or explosion in the boiler, cloth bag house used for filtering the smoke or chip storage area. The plant would have caused approximately 48,800 truck trips per year. Over 90% of the trucks would travel on Wallace Kneeland Boulevard, going past schools, the medical district and a major shopping area.
Fran Prescott also stated, "Concerned Citizens of Mason County looks forward to the opportunity to submit comments regarding the scope and concerns to be addressed by the EIS. CCMC is committed to take whatever regulatory or legal actions are necessary to prevent the plant from being built by Adage or any other company that seeks to use Adage's work to secure permits for the plant. The CCMC lawsuit against the Port of Shelton is active and moving forward."
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
Entire Atty Dorcy letter in blog Reference Documents
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