Paul and Tom and everybody...I am very
uncomfortable with the way this whole project has unfolded...and not just
because of the method of reclamation they have in mind. This project
deserves further review.
Here are my observations on Heartland Energy.
My writings reflect my understanding of the situation. I believe the
following to be facts. If I am incorrect, I invite
corrections.
Representative Davids' behavior, as reported in
reliable media, has been inexcusable. I understand that his father-in-law
is a driving force behind the project. Did he really tell a project
opponent that his lawyer would 'rip out (their) eyeballs and piss on their
brain' as has been reported? I understand he apologized on the floor of
the House...too little too late for a committee chair, I think.
An EIS needs to be completed on the project.
Opponents have alleged that this might be the largest tire burning plant on the
planet. I have also heard statements that work done in the prelimary EAW
for Heartland was based on decades old emissions data assuming a significantly
smaller facility than is currently proposed. That tells me more homework
needs to be done.
I want to see waste tires recycled. But when
you burn them, bad things can happen. Here is a partial list of hazardous
chemicals released by burning waste tires:
Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF); Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; Total
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); Chromium (hexavalent); Lead; Naphthalene;
Acenaphthylene; Phenanthrene; Anthracene; Pyrene; Flouranthrene; Total toxic
PAH's; Benzene
That from one on-line source. We need to make sure that their
scrubbers will work. That's why we need an EIS.
I know some would oppose this project no matter what. I am not one of
them. But I do not on blind faith accept that this plant will be
safe. I need to be convinced. The huge piles of tires that dominated
the landscape in the 1970's are gone. We can always put them in road
paving or find some other use. There is no tire crisis today.
Bob Sebo
Winona
