As Cirrus Delaware gets closer to building a controversial $350 million data center and 62.5MW natural gas backup power plant in Middletown, Delaware, a new meeting is being planned for residents to allieviate concerns.

At a previous public meeting, which was primarily aimed at answering questions over air quality, it was decided another workshop should be held due to the number of concerned residents.

Something in the air

With the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control set to publish an air quality draft permit for Cirrus Delaware within 30 days, the next meeting will be held before then, Delaware Online reports. 

Paul Foster, who led the DNREC workshop which saw 50-75 people attend, said the decision to have another event was unprecendented. He told Delaware Online: “I can’t remember it happening before.”

One resident, John Laird Sr, asked “where can I go to breathe some good air?” He also shared his view - held by many - that after the data center and power plant are built, the company will build more, something it denies.

In a Cirrus-funded study, produced by TRC Environmental Corp, estimates showed that the power plant would raise microscopic particulate levels in the area to 95 percent of the federal allowable daily levels at peak times and 94 percent of the allowable annual levels, up from 90 percent.

Cirrus company spokesman and attorney Mark Dunkle told DCD when the study was published: “The two air modeling studies are simply part of this air permit application, not driven by any complaints and both studies show the emissions even at theoretical peak usage will meet all EPA and State air quality standards.

“There are about 6 protesters out of about 20,000 local residents. The project received unanimous local government approvals.”

In response to his comment, locals said there were more than six protesters. The ’No Middletown Power Plant’ group, which is against its construction, has 733 likes on its Facebook page.