PGAQ #59 by Vic Steblin, Dec 8, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

The newspaper article stated that “Local logging company cashes in on wood waste” and described how wood waste is now bound for the pellet plant. The pellet plant manager stated “A reduction in the burning of logging debris will also decrease the amount of fine particulate released into the air, creating a better air shed and air quality for Prince George and its surrounding communities.”

I disagree. The fine particulate is now to be packaged and delivered to residential areas instead of out in the bush. Just because the B. C. Minister of Forests and the Pellet Industry want to burn biomass does not mean that it is right. The situation reminds me of the asbestos industry that was promoted for so long.

The health effects of asbestos took years to discover and many people still suffer from the tiny particles that lodged in their lungs. Canada still sends some asbestos to other countries.

The actual health consequences from pellet particles might rival asbestos. The potential to package and distribute heat and the resultant fine particulate is enormous for the economy but can damage health since the fine particles are the right size to get deep into lungs.

Of course those promoting the pellet industry would emphasize the short-term positives and ignore the long-term consequences. That is the short-term nature of making money, industry and government.