The developers of a proposed biomass plant in Pownal have agreed to extend testing of an underground well the company hopes to use as a secondary cooling source. The decision was made in response to suggestions from the public.
Beaver Wood Energy hopes to build the plant on the former site of Green Mountain Race Track. The company is seeking a permit from the state to use the well about 20 percent of the time, when flow in the nearby Hoosic River is too low to provide water.
Meddie Perry, a senior hydrologist hired by Beaver Wood Energy tells the Bennington Banner that the pump tests will be extended from seven days to 15 days and will be conducted in June.