RE: Request for Advise, Insight, Comment on Locating WoodBurning Power Plant in Urban Industrial Ar

[CHARLES PATRIZIA <CAPATRIZIA@phjw.com>]

I am less worried about particulates from the stack than other potential
emissions.  Most facilities of this type would now include a baghouse as
standard pollution control equipment, and the efficiencies on ash
particles are quite high.  However, combustion of dry pallets (the old
ones are always dry...) can create other emissions associated with any
materials that have been spilled on the pallets during use.  Many facilities
of this type also accept other "urban wood waste", which includes some
construction debris, etc.  There is more risk from fugitive particulate from
storage areas than ash.

>>> "Alex Lantsberg" <alex@SAEJ.org> 08/12/99 11:57am >>>
the biggest thing i would worry about is the effect of the particulate
pollution on the surrounding community.  it would be a good idea to look
at
the health data for the folks living there to see what the incidences of
respiratory illnesses may be.  depending on wind patterns, this thing
would
do quite a job of exacerbating certain conditions like asthmas or other
lung
inflammations.

the project really seems like it may be a good one for some community
members  (assuming those 65 jobs go to surrounding residents) and their
families, so it should not be ruled out.  there may be technology--i'm not
sure, just speculating--along the lines of smokestack scrubbers that will
remove the ash and other particulates from the exhaust.  it may not be a
bad
idea because some of that ash can be re-used in construction materials.

from the sound of what you're saying, this thing has all of the makings of
an eco-industrial park.  if the entire loop can be closed, then the power
plant can be a real benefit to the community.