Proposed Biomass Energy Plant Gets Air Permit

The developer of a proposed wood energy plant in Fair Haven has received the air pollution control permit it needs from the state of Vermont.

The plant proposed by Beaver Wood Energy would produce 29.5 megawatts of electricity from biomass. It would also manufacture wood pellets for heating fuel.

Beaver Wood had proposed building a second facility in Pownal, but that idea was abandoned.

Beaver Wood managing director Tom Emero says that before construction can begin, it still needs a certificate of public good.

The Bennington Banner says the facility is expected to create about 50 jobs at the facility and 140 jobs in the forest products industry. It would also generate an estimated $1.1 million in tax revenue.