Rockaway Twp. biomass energy plant seems less likely

The chances for a 30-megawatt biomass-fueled electricity plant to be built in Rockaway Township appear to have diminished Thursday when the state determined the plan did not meet water standards, but that hasn't stopped company officials from moving forward.

The Department of Environmental Protection ruled that the Mount Hope Biomass Plant — proposed on the site of Mount Hope iron mine on Mount Hope Avenue — was inconsistent with New Jersey's water quality management plan, saying the property lies beyond approved sewer service. Its plans to discharge sanitary and industrial waste were also deemed inconsistent.

However, the DEP also ruled the project would be exempt from the Highlands Act because the plant — which would generate electricity by burning recycled and wasted wood — would be rebuilt over the footprint of an existing structure.

"The DEP put up a hurdle, but we are determined to tackle each hurdle one by one," said Sam Ramiz, project manager for Mount Hope Hydro. "We feel comfortable going ahead with the permitting process."

Environmentalists, including Jeff Tittel of New Jersey's Sierra Club and Elliot Rega of the Highlands Coalition, feel otherwise.

"The ruling is a significant delay in the process, at least," Rega said. "What they would need to do to comply is fairly onerous, and if they were to seek an amendment, that's a delay process that may involve public hearings by the DEP. And it would still need approval from the Highlands Council."

Tittel said the ruling stops the biomass project from proceeding, much like the company's effort more than 30 years ago to build a hydro-electric plant at the same site, which was rejected in 2006.

Both groups oppose the plan and say the plant would increase air and water pollution, deplete groundwater sources and disturb the forest ecosystem.

"We are glad DEP listened to the public and denied this project's wastewater plan amendment," Tittel said. "This is what the Highlands Act was for — to protect the water supply of the Highlands Region."

The plant would need permits from the state for air pollution, sewer extension, water main extension, water allocation, storm water discharge and approvals under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act and Flood Hazard Area Control Act, according to the DEP.

Meghan Van Dyk: 973-428-6633; mvandyk@gannett.com