> From: Jenny Heiser >
>> ... 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. ... >>
According to the EAW, chlorine is definitely added to the water.
Does this chorine cause any degredation to water quality? Is there harmful
thermal pollution? Is there any basis to allegations of a fungicide
additive? There may or may not be a problem of pollution, I have no idea.
But I am concerned with the possibility, and want to see convincing evidence
that no degradation of water quality is taking place. These waters
eventually flow through North Minneapolis where we plan to spend ump-teen
million dollars on a redevelopment project. A restored Bassett Creek is
regularly billed by Minneapolis officials as the center showpiece amenity in
this redevelopment area. Not that this should make any difference, our
stream should not be polluted whether they flows through a rich neighborhood
or a poor neighborhood.
jh>> 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? >>
General Mills is widely known as a philanthropic good corporate
neighbor. I hope that General Mills will reconsider this lawsuit against the
DNR, and change their plans to install a more sustainable, environmentally
friendly air conditioning system. I suspect that the bottomline accountants
have had the upper hand in decision making on this issue, and that concerns
about ground water and water quality have been brushed aside.
jh>> 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? >>
As I understand it, - both - they want an exemption to the state
law that requires users to convert to a different system by 2010 - and they
also want an exemption to the state law that prohibits expansion of once
through cooling systems.
jh>> 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. >>
More water to air condition the new buildings is the way I
understand it - maybe the added office space is for the Pillsbury division?
Dave Stack
Harrison
