Besicorp-Empire Development Company, LLC announced receipt of SEQRA and Article X approvals to build and operate a Power Plant and a Recycled Newsprint Mill in the Rensselaer, NY.
On September 23, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation found that the projects "meet all statutory and regulatory requirements" while stating that "the record reveals multiple economic, social and environmental benefits" and the agency approved the issuance of permits.
Also, on September 24, 2004, the New York State Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment issued approval of the Article X application for the Power Project.
The projects will be built on separate parcels at the former BASF chemical plant site in the Rensselaer, N.Y., which ceased operations in December 2000. The 100 year old contaminated site is being cleaned up to standards approved by the DEC for redeployment and re-use.
The newsprint facility will recycle old newspapers and magazines to produce 100 percent recycled newsprint.
Michael Zinn, principal owner of Besicorp, said, "We are gratified to reach this major milestone. Over the five-year period we've continued to develop these projects, we've experienced challenging times and paralysis in the financial markets. Many major companies terminated projects while we continued to build the world-class team necessary to bring these projects to the finish line. Now that our permits are approved, we can finish the complex task of completing contracts and arranging financing. "
William T. Seils, president of Besicorp-Empire Development Company, LLC said, "This is an important and positive step towards the success of these two projects. Much hard work remains, but we are completely confident that with the continued support of the community and the State, we will accomplish our goals."