Opponents of Caithness Energy's proposed power plant scored a minor victory in Riverhead Wednesday.

Caithness has a groundbreaking ceremony and luncheon scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m., a move that infuriated critics of the planned 350-megawatt Yaphank plant. Opponents say legal action against Caithness is still pending, therefore a substantial move forward on the project is premature. A judge agreed and issued a stay on the Town of Brookhaven building permits until lawsuits are resolved. The judge is allowing the event to occur, but requires it remain ceremonial in nature.

According to Caithness Senior Vice President Ross Ain, many environmental groups support the Yaphank plant. Ain says not one dissenting environmental organization showed up in court Wednesday.