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Dear 'Links,

 

Heads up! The proposal of an out-of-state corporation to buy the Salem Harbor Station has us worried. We are troubled with many questions about the negative health impact of a new, large gas- and diesel-fired plant on the site.   

 

This article which appeared in the Marblehead Reporter and Salem Gazette summarizes some of our concerns about the project as elucidated by Representative Ehrlich.  

 

A description of the project can be found on page 4 of this document from the regional grid operator (ISO New England). It is listed as project #387. The 720MW of capacity is just shy of the current plant's rated of 745MW but the plant has been running well under this for years so its use would be substantially increased. The request is to burn both natural gas (NG) and diesel (DFO).

 

We will be meeting with Footprint, the probable new owners, soon and are researching the issues to ensure that the community's health and interest is primary as well as making our vision for a clean sustainable energy future come to be.  

 

Below is a list of some of the questions we will be asking - if you have more, please email us so we can grill Footprint as to the impact of the plant.

 

Some Questions About Footprint's Plan

 

1. Given that your proposed plant is twice the size of what Salem is running now what are the health effects? 

 

2. Given the explosion of the gas plant being built in Middletown what are the risks to the neighbors during construction? What will be the source of the fuel?

 

3. Given the toxicity of diesel as an alternate fuel to the gas, what would the impact be on the health of the children at the Bentley School ?

 

4. Given that the SHGS lasted for 60 years, How long would this plant be operating in our neighborhood?  

 

5. Dominion had a special deal where they were able to negotiate their taxes each year based on output. Will real estate taxes actually be paid on valuation so the city isn't so vulnerable to the fluctuations in the energy sector or political pressure?

 

6.  Given that the newly proposed plant cannot use the old building, will the old building stay there?  

 

7. We know of the advantages of not having a shuttered plant with no tax contribution and the benefit of some number of jobs at the site, but what are the advantages to neighbors and the community at large to your project? 

 

8. How much water will be needed to operate the plant? The Ipswich River which is the source of the drinking water for the area is one of the most "endangered" rivers in the country.

 

 

HealthLink
P.O. Box 301
Swampscott, MA 01907
781-598-1115

 

HealthLink mission: To protect and improve public health by reducing and eliminating toxins and pollutants from our environment through research, education and community action.