BIRDSBORO >> It took two votes, but the Borough Council has approved the land development plan for a $480 million power plant project at the site of the former Armocast facility.
Borough council members made a motion on Monday, Feb. 20, to approve the Power Land Development Plan after Solicitor Terry Weiler advised the action taken at the previous week’s special meeting was invalid.
“I believe, in my opinion, the action taken was invalid because of the time constraints Sub Division Land Development Ordinance and Municipality’s Claiming Code,” said Weiler. “The Planning Commission also, I believe, took an invalid action in that there was an innocent mistake made in terms of advertising the meeting. January was a five Tuesday month, and so that would not have been an advertised date – and hence – not a valid meeting.”
Weiler suggested council members move to approve motion, subject to the Planning Board’s approval and contingent upon that approval.
Borough Councilman Steve Lusky, who was present during this portion of the meeting by telephone, made the motion, which was seconded by Councilman Peter Uhniat.
Councilman Robert Myer added comment regarding his questions that he proposed to Engineer Brian Boyer during the special meeting. Myers told council members that James Palumbo, project manager for EmberClear Corp. of Canada, expanded on those answers.
He notified council that the potential hazard for methane gas will be monitored by an active corrosion control program called Cathodic Protection system, where an electric currant is sent through the pipes. Also, frequent leak surveys will take place and detectors installed throughout the building.
“I’m very satisfied that the potential for explosion is going to mitigated substantially as a result of this,” said Myers.
Myers reported that modeling was done at the Birdsboro site and measurements were taken at the property line. The noise level recorded was approximately 53 decibels, which is equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation.
“Our neighbors on East Main Street should not be bothered at all by any kind of obnoxious noise,” he said.
In addition, property owners were assured that lighting sources will be focused downward and there will be no spill-over to the property line.
Myer concluded his comments with his concern for emissions.
“There will be continual emissions monitoring with a system tied in directly to the Department of Environmental Protection, so they will receive real-time reports,” he said. “With respect to safety, I am thoroughly satisfied.”
Diesel generators and fire pumps will be installed in case of power failure.
“One of my biggest concerns with this is sound,” said Councilman Neil McCauley. “A constant sound in this area will disturb our quality of life. That’s been my concern all along.”
Despite the noise concern, the motion to approve the Birdsboro Power Land Development Plan was approved by all council members.
In other business:* Lusky announced the grand opening for the Wine and Spirits store is Thursday, March 23.
* Pastor Devin Blankenbiller of Abundant Life Assembly of God will host a day of charity to the community a Main Bird Park on Saturday, Sept. 23.
* Mary Ann Cotter was appointed as the alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board.
* Council approved the closing of Rustic Park from April 27-30 to accommodate a children’s fishing rodeo hosted by Birdsboro Sportsman Club.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 20, at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.
