The following is an update regarding the appeal hearing held on August 21, 2008.  Basically, Winthrop has won this round, but still needs to be vigilant for the next process.

According to Joe Orfant (DCR), "General Van Antwerp found merit in Winthrop's appeal and has remanded the denial back to the Division for reconsideration.  He specifically told me that he want the Division to further investigate two issues with us: the “practicability” of the upland source alternative and potential mitigation for impacts at the NOMES I site.  This last point is important.  If the General believes that we should be discussing mitigation it suggests that he may be thinking that the project is indeed permitable.  We’ll know better when we see the actual twenty-five page decision.

In the meantime, we are preparing to advertise for bids for the upland alternative and this exercise should settle conclusively the “practicability” of this method as an alternative.

Thank you for your support.  I’m certain that your letter and other letters from Winthrop residents helped to sway the General’s decision. But now is not the time to let your interest and support wane.  Please continue the support and please now write letters of support and concern to the North Atlantic Division."

To read about August 21 event, click here.