The Grand Lady of North Springfield passes at age 90

Long-time community activist and leader Jean Willard has died. In her prime, she was a strong influence in Springfield, voters electing her first to serve on the Selectboard and then later on, the Schoolboard. She was the leading advocate for the interests of North Springfield, where she resided for most of her life.

Vermont rep talks clean energy legislation with citizens

About 12 community members met with Vermont Rep. Robert Forguites (D-Windsor 3-2) on Thursday, March 9 at the Springfield Town Library to discuss clean energy and current legislation.

Housing grants total $1.39 million

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board announced new grants Monday. A Springfield rental housing development will get $700.000 for energy-efficiency updates.

Springfield board endorses plan for solar array

The Select Board has endorsed a plan by Winstanley Enterprises and its business partners to build a five-lot, 2.5-megawatt solar facility in the North Springfield industrial park.

Springfield schools weighing power options

The School Board is considering working with other school districts rather than with the town in purchasing solar power.

Solar plan spurs meeting of minds in Springfield

Springfield town and school leaders will discuss the proposed purchase of solar-generated electricity at a special joint meeting next week, among other issues.

NoSAG likes solar, but...

The North Springfield Action Group, which opposed the ill-fated biomass plant in North Springfield, said Thursday it “applauded” the proposed solar facility for the same location in the North Springfield Industrial Park.

Opinion: Proposed solar array is an opportunity

In contrast to their fatally flawed biomass proposal, this cluster of solar arrays should be quite benign and could prove beneficial to the global environment.

Is there solar in Springfield’s future electric bill?

The town of Springfield could save up to $20,000 a year if it bought electricity from a solar project proposed by Winstanley Enterprises, the project developers told the Springfield Select Board on Monday night.

Out with biomass, in with solar panels

Winstanley Enterprises announced Wednesday that it was seeking state approval to build five, 500-kilowatt solar arrays in the North Springfield Industrial Park.

BRAT to test Black River this summer

Volunteers from the Black River Action Team will be out on the Black River this summer taking samples to make sure the river is safe for swimming and tubing.

Springfield Select Board to revise town Plan

The Springfield Select Board wants to make revisions to the town plan before approving it for another five-year period.

Opinion: Environment is ours to protect

For the second time in the last quarter century the people of North Springfield have escaped the blight of a biomass power plant being forced upon them.

NoSag no slouch at raising money

The Pizza Stone in Chester was filled to capacity with a generous crowd tonight, the event raised over one thousand dollars to help the North Springfield Action Group pay off its legal debts. And a good time was had by all.

Developer won't appeal Vt. board biomass decision

The lead developer for wood-fired power plant in North Springfield says he won't try to appeal a state board's decision to deny a permit.

Candidates face off on Springfield issues

They disagreed on the rejected North Springfield biomass plant, agreed on the proposed $10.7 million town budget and agreed on whether the town needed a development director.

Newcomer challenges Springfield incumbents for Select Board

George McNaughton moved to Springfield 20 years ago because Vermont looked like the rural part of Indiana where he grew up.

Vermont: The Little State That Could?

I am fortunate to live in the tiny state of Vermont, a state that has boldly led the way on so many issues it's hard to list them all.

Opinion: Heroes of the Biomass Odyssey

After a two year odyssey it feels really good to read the news...

NoSAG to celebrate and plan

North Springfield Action Group will hold a public "Thank You" this evening February 19th.

Proposed bioenergy plant denied certificate of public good in Vt.

Biomass Magazine reports on the apparent end of the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project.

Opinion: An expansive view

If you burn wood to heat your home, you may find reason to cheer the ruling by the Public Service Board last week rejecting a wood-burning power plant proposed for North Springfield.

Vermont biomass power plant denied approval on basis of greenhouse gas emissions

A press release from a group that "uses science, policy analysis and strategic communications to promote sound energy policy".

Full text - PSB's final discussion and conclusion

The PSB 3 - John Burke, James Volz and Margaret Cheney

The last 33 pages of the Public Service Board's 156 page document released Tuesday concerning the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project.

North Springfield Action Group statement

NOSAG members gathered on a hillside above the site of the proposed biomass plant in January 2013.

Vt. Board Rejects Springfield Biomass Plant

The Vermont Public Service Board on Tuesday rejected an application to build a 37-megawatt wood-fired power plant in the town of Springfield, Vt.

PSB rules against North Springfield wood chip plant

The Public Service Board has ruled against the proposed 37-megawatt wood-fired biomass power plant in North Springfield.

Opinion: GMP is ignorant about biomass

While other more enlightened power companies in Vermont have chosen not to sign power purchase agreements with the North Springfield Energy Project, Green Mountain Power is acting otherwise.

Fate of proposed biomass plant in hands of PSB

Will a Massachusetts developer get the OK to build a wood-fired biomass plant in North Springfield? That's what the Public Service Board must now decide.

Opinion: Vermont faces electricity cost, carbon, supply challenges in 2014

Developments in Vermont’s energy landscape during 2014 will pose numerous challenges for electricity consumers and policy makers.

Opinion: Curbing greenhouse gas

If the ANR is sincere about curbing greenhouse gas, it needs to make good on its promise. It can do so by taking a clear and explicit position in opposition to the proposal to build a biomass electric power plant in North Springfield.

Lung Association urges ‘no’ for biomass plant

The American Lung Association has come out against the proposed wood-fired power plant in North Springfield.

Audio: Biomass developers won't meet deadline for tax credits

Project developer Adam Winstanley speaks with Susan Keese of Vermont Public Radio.

Biomass plant forgoes $40M credit

The developers of the $170 million woodchip-fired power plant proposed for North Springfield have given up on their hope for $40 million in federal investment tax credits.

Opinion: Contradictions of biomass project

The Dec. 31 deadline for a $40 million federal tax credit for the North Springfield biomass plant is approaching. As the deadline draws near, the explanations and statements by the developer’s representatives and town officials get stranger and stranger.

Biomass plant may still gain approval

The developer of the proposed 37-megawatt wood-fired generating plant in North Springfield, along with the town, may have cleared a major hurdle in gaining state approval for the controversial $170 million project.

Biomass project dealt heavy blow

A hearing officer for the Vermont Public Service Board has recommended that the project be denied a state certificate of public good.

Biomass plant developers move ahead with project

The North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project expects to get its state construction and operating permit later this month.

NOSAG at state capital

On Tuesday, a small group from the North Springfield Action Group attended the all-day House and Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Energy Joint Meeting on Electric Generation Plants.

Opinion: PSB needs to take a hard look at CO2 emissions from woodchip power plant

The proposed woodchip power plant project known as the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project has been working its way through the Vermont Public Service Board hearing process for nearly two years.

Opinion: No biomass plant in North Springfield

Vermont now has a golden, or even better a “green,” opportunity, to set an example and actually put its energy and resources where all the talk and political-speak is, and actually lead in the battle against climate change.

Mobile home destroyed by fire

Fire broke out late Saturday afternoon in a mobile home park on Fairground Road in North Springfield destroying one home.

PSB wants more information about Springfield biomass MOU

The Public Service Board has asked for additional review as it considers the impacts of a proposed new road that would help alleviate traffic concerns associated with the proposed wood-fired power plant in North Springfield.

Springfield Approves Agreement With Biomass Plant Developers

The Town of Springfield has approved an agreement with the developers of a proposed wood-burning power plant in North Springfield.

Springfield unveils understanding with biomass developer

Saying they were trying to control the things they could control with the proposed North Springfield biomass plant, the Springfield Select Board unveiled a proposed memorandum of understanding with the project developer Monday.

Audio: Special MOU Select Board meeting

A few sound clips from Monday night's Select Board meeting held at the Springfield High School cafeteria to discuss the memorandum of understanding document relating to the proposed biomass plant project.

Biomass plant gets air permit

The North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project has received its state air permit.

Opinion: A forester supports North Springfield biomass plant

There will be more firewood available, not less, as a result of the proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project (NSSEP) plant.

Opinion: Governor Peter Shumlin is Polluting Vermont

Give Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin's administration an F- for providing an air pollution permit to a proposed BIOMASS Plant in a residential neighborhood of Springfield, Vermont.

Opinion: Much worse than your woodstove

The proposed biomass plant in North Springfield would be an environmental, economic calamity.

State critical of wood-fired project’s forestry plan

State forestry officials raised questions Thursday about just how sustainable the proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project would be.

Springfield rezones a dozen properties

About a dozen homes along Main Street and Precision Drive in North Springfield have been rezoned from industrial to residential/commercial.

Open letter to Vermont electric ratepayers

The state’s electric utilities have a corporate responsibility to learn the facts on what renewable energy is and what real damage a wood-to-electricity generating plant has on the environment.

Potential biomass plant traffic alarms Chester Select Board

Chester Select Board members have major reservations about the increase in truck traffic the North Springfield power plant would bring. Select Board Chairman John DeBendetti called it “frightening”.

A biomass facility might not be a good idea for Springfield

A biomass facility, though proven profitable elsewhere, might not be a good idea for Springfield, explained Hal Wilkins of Ramsey, Warren, LLC at a meeting last Wednesday.

Opinion: Wood biomass power is just too expensive

It should come as no surprise that the North Springfield Energy Project, a project to build an industrial biomass plant in Springfield, still lacks a power contract.

Biomass update Wednesday in Springfield

There will be a presentation Wednesday at the Unitarian-Universalist Church on Fairground Road to provide the community information about biomass power in Vermont. The event starts at 7 p.m.

Opinion: Redefining green

My husband and I have been researching the issue of large-scale biomass burning for electricity, and attending meetings and forums. Vermont has a terrific green initiative in place.

Wood-fired plan still lacking power contract

The North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project does not help meet the state’s energy needs or contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals, according to the director of energy policy and planning for the Department of Public Service.

Wood-chip plant transportation issues under review

Springfield is working to address transportation issues posed by the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project.

Private meeting on woodchip plant cancelled

An “invitation only” presentation about the proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project for area select boards today was cancelled Monday after questions were raised about the legality of the meeting.

'Doo-doo' a ‘no-no’ for any biomass plant, panel decides

Concerns that “animal waste” might mean the disposal of manure as well as animal carcasses in a biomass plant, the Springfield Planning Commission has again fine-tuned the language in the revised Springfield Town Plan.

Biomass protest banner vandalized, police say

Springfield police are investigating the vandalism of a large sign protesting the proposed wood-fired power plant in North Springfield.

Board faulted for lack of leadership on wood-chip plant

The Select Board was sharply criticized Monday for a lack of leadership on the proposed wood-fired power plant in North Springfield.

Biomass? No Thanks

Supporters of the North Springfield Action Group gather Saturday in a field above the industrial park in protest of plans to build a huge biomass plant in the neighborhood.

North Springfield biomass project moving forward

As developers for a proposed North Springfield biomass energy plant continue working to get their permits, a Windham County resident says the proposed project will have effects far beyond it's location in Windsor County.

Biomass language needs more attention

Concerns about biomass energy send town plan language back for another rewrite.

The 12 months of NIMBY

Springfield, Vt. has made it on Renewable Energy Magazine's annual list of 12 renewable energy projects around the world that have been countered by public opposition.

Opinion: Biomass disaster is no coincidence

How many “coincidences” do we have to have before the public realizes that those pushing the biomass project in North Springfield are trying to sell us a bill of goods.

Harpoon Brewery highlight of SRDC meeting

The Springfield Regional Development Corporation held its annual meeting at Harpoon Brewery’s Windsor facility on Monday. Harpoon Brewery CEO Daniel Kenary spoke of the positive impact of public-private partnerships.

Opinion: Springfield is taking a gamble

The biomass power plant proposed for Springfield is out of line with the Springfield Town Plan. And now the Springfield Select Board is preparing to change the town plan.

Meeting Minutes - Town Plan Draft, Zoning ByLaws

Biomass language to be rewritten for town plan

The language of the proposed Springfield Town Plan dealing with biomass plants will be revised.

Opinion: Personal attack inappropriate

It is unfortunate that Mr. Ingold of Weston Solutions resorted to personal attacks in his response to our science-based critique of the proposed North Springfield biomass energy plant. ("Wood chip developer answers criticism,” Sept. 25.)

New biomass language in town plan raises concerns

A new provision in the proposed town plan has some residents who oppose the proposed biomass plant very concerned.

Wood chip developer answers criticism

The developers of the proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project, a 37-megawatt biomass plant, took issue with statements by a group critical of biomass plants that the project was “neither clean nor green.”

Video: Industrial biomass in Vermont

The McNeil Power Plant in Burlington's Intervale has produced power from wood chips for going on three decades. When it went online in 1984, it was state of the art.

Group: biomass plants neither ‘clean’ nor ‘green’

The proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project is neither clean nor green nor economical, according to a report by a Massachusetts-based group that studies biomass plants.

Residents concerned about biomass project

The public has until Sept. 10 to comment on an air quality permit for the proposed biomass project in Springfield.

Air pollution concerns raised about wood-fired power plant

Concerns about air pollution from the proposed 37-megawatt wood-fired power plant and the tractor trailers bringing woodchips to the North Springfield site dominated a public hearing Wednesday night.

Voice your concern over North Springfield biomass plant

The Agency of Natural Resources has scheduled a public meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Springfield High School to hear comments on the air pollution control permit for the proposed biomass plant.

Video: Biomass project meeting highlights

Nearly ten minutes of video from the question and answer period at the informational meeting for the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project held August 17th.

Opinion: Wood plant still a bad idea

The revised proposal for the biomass plant in North Springfield is an improvement over the original, but is still a bad proposal. It is not worth the 30 permanent jobs it will bring to Springfield.

Winstanley presents modified biomass project plans

Outspoken Chester resident Cris Ericson confronts Adam Winstanley with concerns about increased truck traffic on Rt. 103, after a public meeting held in Springfield last night.

Draft air permit issued for biomass project

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has issued a draft air pollution control permit for the construction of a biomass plant in North Springfield.

Click Here to see the full 40 page draft permit

Agency wants more details on woodchips

The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets wants to know more about the woodchips that would fire the proposed 35-megawatt electric plant in North Springfield.

NoSagVt Invites Neighboring Communities to Become Involved

A community information meeting around the Biomass plant proposal, was recently held by the North Springfield Action Group (NoSag). The presentation was entitled: “A ‘Vermont-Scale” Approach to Renewable Energy: How We Return Power to the People.”

'Vermont-Scale' approach to renewable energy

Lukas Snelling, Executive Director of Energize Vermont will be in town this Tuesday night detailing a new approach to developing renewable energy in Vermont. The public is invited to attend this free presentation.

Opinion: Candy and its role in Vermont’s Energy Future

Is anyone getting tired of reading self-serving statements and quizzical facts in the form of paid advertising and other propaganda from the people hoping to build a huge biomass power plant in North Springfield?

Changes made to proposed biomass plant

The developers of the proposed wood-fired generating plant in North Springfield have submitted an amended application to state regulators, which includes significant changes in the plant’s design and hopes for a new access road

Selectboard commits water to biomass project

The town selectboard in Springfield, Vt., has voted for an agreement to commit 30,000 of gallons of municipal water a day to a proposed biomass project.

Lung expert speaks on biomass

Dr. Ted Marcy from the American Lung Association was the guest speaker at a public meeting in Springfield tonight. About 45 concerned citizens attended.

BRAT to monitor Spoonerville Brook

The Black River Action Team announces the launch of a volunteer water quality monitoring program to begin in June of 2012.

Opinion: Biomass is no renewable panacea

This is an open letter to Rep. Tony Klein of the Vermont House of Representatives. I am writing to inquire about a statement you made that appeared on page 1 of the Rutland Herald last Wednesday, April 25.

Opinion: Biomass plant bad for Springfield

The real issue around the biomass proposal and the Winstanley developers is not free heat or stoves or even the free candy that the Winstanley group gave to local the fifth graders at a talk this week in the local schools...

Opinion: One way to conserve water at power plants

A former Navy man addresses concerns about the large amount of water that would be required to operate the proposed biomass plant.

State, biomass plant developer disagree over scope of review

Both the Agency of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Service are opposing an assertion by the developers of the North Springfield wood energy plant that it shouldn’t have to prove the need for its electricity nor its thermal efficiency when the project is reviewed by the Public Service Board.

Biomass plant developers propose changes

The developers of the proposed North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project are making changes to its 35 megawatt project.

North Springfield Action Group Takes a Stance on Biomass

NoSAG advocates zero tolerance for the Winstanley biomass power plant (a.k.a. Renewable Energy Project) proposed for North Springfield.

Save the Spoonerville

A small, clear brook tumbles along, weaving its way through the village of North Springfield. A new biomass incinerator is being planned for this community, and its waste water leach-field is sited very close to Spoonerville Brook.

Springfield Select Board meeting - 03/26/12

Blessing Of The Bikers permit... Town energy meeting scheduled... LED streetlights update... Town appointments... Emergency Operations Plans updated... business licenses approved.

Opinion: Is biomass plant worth the gamble?

Economic texts explain a phenomenon called the multiplier effect. This is an effect where an increase in spending produces an increase in commerce and consumption greater than the initial amount invested — like ripples spreading in a pond.

Ben & Jerry’s building is sold to Black River Produce

Springfield-based Black River Produce is expanding its operations after purchasing the former Ben and Jerry’s building in the North Springfield Industrial Park.

Springfield candidates on woodchip plant

The hottest topic to emerge in Springfield in years has half of the candidates for the Springfield Select Board sitting on the fence.

Residents press concerns about woodchip plant

Residents voiced elemental concerns Tuesday night about the impact of the proposed 35 megawatt wood-fired power plant, saying it would affect water, air, aesthetics and traffic.

Biomass truck traffic would be problem

While opinions varied concerning the environmental impact of the proposed biomass plant in North Springfield, everyone agreed that increased truck traffic into the neighborhood is an issue.

Town studies water demands of plant

The town has asked its engineering firm to evaluate the town's water system to see if it can provide a large quantity of water to the proposed wood-fired power plant in North Springfield.

Video: Biomass Public Hearing

Video of the Public Service Board hearing held February 28th at Springfield High School with nearly 200 people in attendance.

Opponents speak out against proposed biomass plant

Opponents of a plan to build a wood-chip-burning power plant in North Springfield dominated a public hearing at the Springfield High School last night.

Sparks fly over proposed wood-fired electric plant

Staff members from Vermont's Public Service Board visited the proposed site for what's being called the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project.

Monopoly Board

Attending tonight's public biomass plant hearing? Meet the Public Service Board, Vermont's most powerful men you've never heard of.

Opinion: Burning our forests: A climate mistake

Should Vermont burn its trees to power light bulbs and refrigerators? And what will the impact be - on our forests, our air quality and our changing climate - if we promote greater use of wood for industrial-scale heat and power?

More than 200 turn out for woodchip plant session

More than 200 people turned out to hear about the proposed 35 megawatt woo-fired power plant in North Springfield Thursday.

Coal plant vs. Biomass plant emissions

Some charts comparing air pollution from the Holyoke, MA coal burning plant to that which would be emitted from the proposed North Springfield biomass plant.

Document: Biomass project water concerns report

The Process Water Supply and Wastewater Disposal Feasibility Assessment for the North Springfield Sustainable Energy Project (96 pages).
For links to other documents and exhibits regarding the proposed Biomass plant, Click Here.

Biomass or Biomess? Activists protest

The debate over burning forests for electricity is heating up again as a wood-fueled power plant moves closer to construction in Fair Haven. Developers are eyeing a once-shuttered industrial site in North Springfield.