Agency's action is not connected to or sequenced with the Energy Facility Siting Board's pending decision on siting and building the facility proposed by Invenergy
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today that it has found that the Clear River Energy Center power plant will comply with applicable state and federal air pollution control rules and regulations and that DEM has prepared a draft permit for public review and comment. Although the overall decision on siting and building the facility, proposed by Invenergy Thermal Development LLC in Burrillville, rests with the Energy Facility Siting Board (EFSB), the decision on the air permit stays with DEM per state law and is not connected to or sequenced with the EFSB.
"Today, DEM released a draft air pollution control permit for the Clear River Energy Center power plant proposed by Invenergy in the Town of Burrillville. This is separate from and independent of the ongoing hearing being held by the Energy Facility Siting Board on the siting of the proposed facility. That EFSB decision will ultimately determine whether the facility is built," said DEM Deputy Director for Environmental Protection Terrence D. Gray. "Evaluating the air quality impacts from the proposed power plant has been a critically important and complex process for DEM. We have determined, based on our expert review of the application, that the facility will comply with federal and state air quality standards. We encourage others to carefully review the application and the draft permit and provide us with feedback. We have set up a website with information on the application and the permit, are providing for an extended public comment period, and will be scheduling a public hearing to give members of the public ample opportunity to weigh in on this proposal."
Issued by DEM's Office of Air Resources, the draft permit, preliminary determination, a factsheet, and notice of public comment are available at www.dem.ri.gov/invenergy. The public comment period for this draft permit will be open until Monday, July 15, 2019 at 4 PM. Rhode Islanders who would like to submit questions or formal comments on the proposed permit may email dem.invenergyairpermit@dem.ri.gov so they can be added into the draft permit's administrative record. Comments must be received before the public comment period closes to be considered. A public hearing for interested persons to appear and submit written or oral comments on the draft permit will be held before the end of the public comment period. DEM will announce the date, time, and location of the hearing when the details are finalized.