Consider: a new oil & natural gas burning electricity-generating plant in Westfield

In the previous post, we learned that our air quality is “F.”

Consider, then, that a new oil & natural gas burning electricity-generating plant is proposed for development in Westfield. And that the permitting-process is almost over!

Have you heard about it? It’s called, by its proponents, the Pioneer Valley Energy Center.

Having heard absolutely nothing in any area media source about this proposal, at least in the Daily Gazette, I received this notice in the biocitizen email account on January 2 (click on notice to see a clean view):

Here is the EPA’s announcement of the hearing:

EPA announcement of public hearing on January 12 for a gas-burning electricity-generation plant in Westfield

Please consider this—the development of a significant new source of air pollution in a region that gets an “F” for its air quality.

What do you think?

My next post will report on the EPA notice, so we can understand what it means by “prevention of serious deterioration.”

I wonder 1) how “deterioration” is defined by the EPA and 2) what deterioration below an “F” grade air quality status is.

Do you?

Related posts:

1. Using EPA & MA DEP data & reports to understand our air quality
2. Nature, Natural Law and Our National Religion of “Nature’s God,” conclusion
3. If Springfield’s air is already polluted, how can the EPA permit more new air pollution?
4. Westfield RBA on Weds!
5. How the EPA regulates particulate matter (PM), & how PMed is Springfield