Hi , from my experience, you can kiss the habitat and the orchids along with all other denizens of the East Texas natural woodlands goodbye. All of course, in the name of eco-friendly alternative energies.
I am sure you aren't the only one in your area who is concerned, so the best thing to do, is mobilize, or join up with the rest who may already be mobilizing. The policy absolutely has to stipulate where the biomass can be sourced. In other words, native woodlands must be off limits. Let them start with crop residue, and then move to biomass plantations: crop trees planted in agricultural fields or along the edges, trimmings from Austin's gardens and streets. And if it's still in the discussion stages, they should have a close look at the technology around "biochar" which could even make energy from the city waste stream, while locking away the carbon as a climate change measure. I can send you (or anyone) links to start getting informed about this. The entire world is looking into it as a potential for carbon-negative energy generation, enhanced soil fertility, and aid to soil moisture regulation. It's actually fairly awesome. They could also look into regional biogas generation from sewage, crop residue, stockyard wastes, etc via biodigestion for methane.....and still be able to run the finished sludge through a biochar unit to capture a second generation of biogases before sequestering the carbon into local soils. I am willing to bet that the waste produced by the city could provide a massive proportion of the feedstock needed for energy generation. It's all about connecting the dots, and making "smart systems". So don't just mobilize against the project, do it for a better alternative. Definitely, in the 21st century, we cannot condone any more linear and limited thinking which does not incorporate multiple benefits, while anticipating multiple impacts. To lose local biodiversity in an attempt to generate "greener" energy is suicidal. .............. " I just finished watching a public hearing that took place on Aug. 13th at Austin, Texas City Hall .... Questions immediately arise as to the effects of this type of plant on orchid habitat, and this particular one will feed off the East Texas woodlands if it is built.....Any thoughts on what this means?" Best of luck, Erik van Lennep TEPUI Ireland www.tepuidesign.com Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
