Additional questions:
1) There was no mention in Tom Meersman's Strib article about an alledged use of
a fungicide in GM's once-through cooling system and what, if any, impact that
chemical may have on the water quality as it is dumped into Bassett Creek. [In
fairness, referring to a conversation with Dave Stack, Mr. Meersman states in
the article: "He is also concerned about the temperature and the chemical
condition of the used water..."] At the city of Golden Valley's website, it is
stated in the 'History' section, that: "Once through cooling is a method that
uses ground water to cool buildings by passing it through a series of condensers
and chillers before discharging clean [the italics are mine] water back to the
ground via ponds or other waterways." Questions: Is GM using a fungicide in its
OTC system? And, if they are, what impact does this usage have on the quality of
the water being returned to a waterway? And, what constitutes clean water?
2) IF OTC systems have been legislated to be prohibited/phased out by no later
than 2010, why would GM erect new/additional buildings on its property that used
these systems and thus requiring even more water to be pumped from the Jordan
Aquifer?
3) Is GM asking for an exemption to complying with the law for its existing
buildings so that it does not need to replace its current OTC system? Or is it
asking for an exemption to complying with the law for its anticipated new
buildings? If the exemption is not for the new buildings, and it is merely to
avoid the expense of replacing their current OTC system, as mandated by law, why
do they need an additional 170 million gallons per year? [One might assume,
perhaps unwisely, that the new buildings with a new type of cooling system,
requires that much additional water. However, that is not clear to me from the
Meersman article.]
It is not my intention to ask these questions in a quarrelsome manner. I have a
sincere desire to more clearly understand what is at stake in this matter for
all parties affected by the courts decision. GM has a documented record of being
a valuable (and valued) corporate citizen and I do not suspect them of trying to
pull a "fast one" on the communities of which they are a part. However, I am
aware that when you're the "biggest kid on the block," so to speak, that you're
used to getting what you want and that this mentality can spawn a myopic view of
what truly constitutes a greater good for the larger community. I am also
distrustful of any organization that operates on bottom-line results on a
quarterly basis. This approach does not promote taking a long-term view of ones
actions, either as an individual nor as a business entity.
Jenny Heiser
East Phillips
Ward 6
List Manager wrote:
> Don't know if the list played a role in this getting to the Major Daily, but
> here's the Strib's take on the Bassett Creek water dispute. Unanswered
> question: Will the Minneapolis Council go on record about the arrangement?
>
> Kudos to Jenny Heiser and Dave Stack for bringing this to everyone's
> attention.
>
> http://www.startribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisStory=83096626
>
> David Brauer
> List manager, Minneapolis-issues
