North Bellport residents are hoping the discovery of dozens of rare pine trees can uproot plans to build a power plant in their community.

Residents have filed lawsuits against the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and Caithness Energy to stop the project, arguing that previous environmental studies conducted at the site were flawed. They claim they have a rare ecosystem that LIPA and Caithness want to destroy.

LIPA officials say the discovery of a new plant is unlikely considering the number of studies that were done. Residents will present their case and more than 1,000 petitions to Brookhaven?s Town Board Tuesday night in an effort to stop Caithness from getting the proper land permits.