Northampton Borough Council has agreed to look into environmental and health concerns stemming from the Northampton Generating Plant.

At council's May 7 meeting, the administration indicated it will gather information from residents, who appeared before council urging the borough to draft and pass legislation that will halt the Northampton Generating Plant from increasing lead emissions levels. Emission levels remain under the state Environmental Protection Agency requirements, however.

Rosemary Rossner and others gathered more than 200 petition signatures, calling on the DEP to hold a public meeting before granting Northampton Generating's request to increase emissions.

A resident in the audience alleged that council is not concerned with the current situation.

"To say we're not concerned is wrong. I don't like what I hear," council President John Yurish said.

Rossner said she is worried for the seven children with autism who live near the plant. Raising her level of concern is the fact that her granddaughter has autism.

"We can't let this go on," she said.

"You (council) have the power," Thomas Sedor stressed.

He recommended borough council adopt an ordinance that would regulate the plant's emissions, noting it has more power than the DEP.

"I'm used to battling," Sedor said.

"It's just totally ridiculous," Charles McNally said, his young daughter at his side.

Councilman Robert Coleman said the emissions would be monitored 24 hours a day.

Council Vice President Robert McHale agreed to "be the conduit" between council and Sedor, providing information as it is made available.