NTEC Neighborhood Meetings To Answer Questions And Concerns

Two meetings Tuesday on the project.

People interested in the new natural gas-powered electric plant being planned in Superior had a couple of chances to get their questions answered Tuesday.

Two open houses were put on in Superior for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center. At mid-day and late afternoon sessions, representatives were available to answer questions, and citizens could learn more about the plant.

Although the project had essentially unanimous support early on, recently Mayor Jim Paine and some city council members have worked to try and stop the project. Tuesday, project partners were trying to address concerns people had.

“We welcome discussion with the city and with neighbors about their concerns around this plant, which is why we are having this meeting today, to be kind of open and welcoming to those questions,” said Minnesota Power’s Jennifer Cady, Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs.

“We are confident that we can operate this plant safely, and it will provide a lot of benefits for the community, and the broader, regional electric grid, and we just look forward to continuing to work with the city,” said Cady.

“Superior is a great place to host this project,” said John Carr, Dairyland Power Cooperative’s Vice President for Strategic Planning,

“The partners are looking for safe, reliable and affordable energy that can assist us in the transition to a lower carbon future, and it will deliver just that, and along with environmental improvements in terms of CO2 reduction,” Carr said.

Residents did come with questions and concerns. Ron Nelson lives near the project site, and one of his concerns was about potential noise from compressors and traffic in the neighborhood. He said he is not for or against the project but was looking to get more information. Nelson said he likes to sometimes have his windows open on a warm summer night.

“I was concerned about the noise factor. I’m about six or seven blocks from where this is going to start,” said Nelson.

“And I’ve lived out in east end most of my life. I like the neighbors. I like the calmness. And I hope it stays somewhat like that,” said Nelson.

Nelson said he also hopes the project turns out good and that it pays “big taxes.”

Those opposed to the project have appealed to a Wisconsin regulatory agency to reconsider its approval. Dairlyland Power officials say construction is scheduled to begin later this spring.