PGAQ #43 by Vic Steblin, Nov 13, 2008

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

Canfor completed a 60-megawatt co-generation facility at its P.G. Pulp and Paper mill in 2006. The $130-million project was designed to replace power to the pulp mill being supplied by B.C. Hydro. How does this mega-pollution in city limits happen with little environmental review? In my opinion we have been conned and manipulated over biomass burning.

Concerned citizens stopped a city sponsored co-generation project that was tiny compared to the mill project. Yet powerful industries and supportive politicians allow fine particulate in amounts that truly swamp reason. It reminds me of Hitler’s quote that “It is easier to fool the masses with a big lie since few expect a big lie!”

The Marsulex mess is another example of mega-pollution that also swamps reason. A reduction from 615 kilograms of suphur dioxide per day to 500 kgs comes into effect by Jan. 1, 2009. Citizens were worried over 1 kg of particulate per day with the city co-generation plant. Although it is difficult to compare a gas to particulate, here is an example of killing the minnow while ignoring the whale.

Marsulex, which has polluted since 1967 and employs only 18 people, provides chemicals to Northern Interior pulp mills. That company should have been located away from people years ago but we are conned and manipulated over a paltry few jobs! The city has probably lost 18 people from asthma alone in the last 18 years. Those chemicals could be trucked in providing more than 18 jobs.

Pacific Bioenergy moves a plant closer to the city core and hardly anyone complains. The idea of producing clean energy from wood waste pellets seems attractive. Hardly anyone questions the damage that might occur when lungs take in a particle the perfect size for damage. Here is another example of the biomass con.