It's close to passing, but just weeks before a final vote on a Springfield biomass plant, one group is presenting the health hazards.

Arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury are just some of the chemicals that will be emitted into the air at close range, if a Page Blvd. biomass plant is passed, says one woodburning opponent.

However, as residents pack the Pine Point Community Center, Wednesday night, they're learning, the plant is almost there.

One more permit and Palmer Paving will have a green light to burn. But unlike Russell and Greenfield's proposed plants, Springfield's will burn more than just wood.

"The construction and demolition waste, they say they'll burn 700 tons of it a day," says Megan Jenny, a spokesperson for Toxic Action Center.

And according to presenters, that demolition waste is comprised of plastics, pressure treated wood, painted wood, composite plywood sealed with glue.

"It's atrocious what this plant will do with the amount of lead and arsenic that will be going through the air," says councilor-elect John Lysak.

Palmer Renewable Energy is looking to build the Page Blvd plant. They say it could bring millions to the city. All emissions meet current EPA standards, but some doctors and activists say it's not good enough.

"This seems like an easy fix, but it comes at a serious price and it comes at the price of the residents of Springfield," Jenny says.

A hearing and possible vote on the final permit will come on December 2nd at the Kennedy Middle School. The hearing is scheduled at 6pm.