Footprint Takes Over Power Station

officially took over on Saturday.

On Sunday the company announced the changeover in a press release. Footprint will maintain the current operation until May 2014.

The process of permitting for the company's natural gas facility, which will replace the current one, is already underway, according to the press release.

"By demolishing the existing facility when the remaining units are removed from service, remediating the site, and scaling back power generation to a small portion of the site, we look forward to the residents of Salem having access to their waterfront for the first time in generations, Footprint’s President and COO Scott Silverstein said in a release.

Footprint’s CEO Peter Furniss said "We are mindful of the efforts that the residents of Salem, its elected officials, and members of the surrounding communities have put in over the years to address the environmental issues posed by Salem Harbor. We have spoken with – and listened to – local residents and have closely followed the work of the City’s Salem Harbor Reuse Committee."

Public meetings will be held as plans for remediation and permitting of the site move forward, according to the Footprint press release.