Update: FAA Opposes Proposed Oxford Power Plant

Update 5 p.m.

The FAA says in a report that the proposed power plant would have “adverse physical or electromagnetic interference on navigable airspace or air navigation facilities,” WTNH News 8 reports.

There are two potential dangers: planes could actually hit the two stacks that stick up highest in the air, but even more concerning, according to the FAA report is that the hot steam coming out of those stacks shoots up into the air and has the potential to cause enough turbulence to upset the flight of a small plane, News 8 reports.

But the Connecticut Siting Council, and not the FAA will decide the fate of the proposed power plant. 

Read the full News 8 report here.

Original post 10 a.m. Some new hope for opponents of a proposed power plant that is being considered in Oxford on the Oxford-Middlebury line.

Pilots at the nearby Waterbury Oxford Airport saying they are worried about planes flying over the proposed power plant site. The airport is located about a half-mile from the airport, reports NBC Connecticut.

The concern is plumes from the plant’s stack could create a danger for pilots of the small planes. The FAA is looking into the issue, and a press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Oxford today on the issue.

Patch will update this story with more information.

Here is the latest news concerning the proposed power plant:

The Republican-American’s Jordan Otero has some new details about the proposed power plant on the Oxford-Middlebury town line.

Otero reports that the Connecticut Siting Council must decide by May on whether to approve CPV Towantic Energy Center’s proposal. Additionally, at least five hearings are planned.

The project has garnered strong interest in Oxford, Middlebury and Naugatuck.

The first hearing is scheduled for January 15. A site review will occur at 1:30 p.m. followed by a public forum at 3 p.m. at Oxford High School.

The Siting Council agreed last month to hear CPV Towantic Energy Center’s proposal. The operators of the power plant already have approval to construct a 512-megawatt plant on 26 acres of land.

Now they are seeking approval for an 805-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant on 32 acres.

A rally was recent held by residents who oppose the power plant.

Concerned residents led by Naugatuck’s Chester Cornacchia told theCitizen New’s Luke Marshall that the bigger plant will lead to more pollution for Naugatuck and environmental concerns.

Supporters of the power plant say Oxford’s taxes will go down and it will provide enough power for 750,000 houses, which could lead to savings for taxpayers.