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
