Uncertainty surrounds proposed renewable natural gas plant in Three Oaks Township - WSBT-TV
Uncertainty surrounds proposed renewable natural gas plant in Three Oaks Township
The Three Oaks Elementary School was packed for a planning commission meeting regarding a proposed renewable natural gas plant near Basswood Road in Three Oaks Township.
Even after last weeks open house where Archaea Energy representatives spoke, many community members still have questions and believe the plant does not belong in their community.
"I would love to be able to support something like this, but I think it is wrongly cited. I think it belongs at a site that is more remote and other plants aren't like this one. Our site is not like other sites," Janice Muhr who lives in Three Oaks Township said.
The proposed plan is a joint venture between Archaea Energy and Republic Services with members of Archaea Energy showing up tonight to present to the public and planning commission.
A representative declined to speak with WSBT on camera about the community concerns but provided a letter that was sent to commissioners on June 13th detailing adjustments based on community feedback including decreasing the size, noise mitigation and minimizing light pollution.
In a statement they said,
We aim to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the community and planning commission
Those changes are not enough to satisfy community members, many speaking during public comment urging no decision to be made tonight and if there was to be a decision made tonight to deny the proposed plant.
"It's talking about our livelihoods, our our way of life? The way that you know, we see our futures and for our grandchildren's, you know, we want them to be able to enjoy what we've enjoyed. And in all fairness, the only way to do it is to stop it now," Jacki Stam-Stanage who lives in Three Oaks Township said.
After nearly two hours, the Three Oaks Planning Commission tabling the proposed special use zoning request.
It is unclear when the commission will revisit the request.
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