Kamloops.1

Kamloops:Kamloops:Not a Place to BurnNot a Place to Burn

Paul Connett, PhDPaul Connett, PhDExecutive DirectorExecutive Director

American Environmental Health American Environmental Health

Studies Project (AEHSP)Studies Project (AEHSP)www.AmericanHealthStudies.orgwww.AmericanHealthStudies.org

pconnettpconnett@@gmailgmail.com.com

Kamloops, BC, August 30, 2009Kamloops, BC, August 30, 2009

PrefacePreface

When I was in BC about a year When I was in BC about a year ago (June, 2008) political leaders ago (June, 2008) political leaders in Vancouver were raving about a in Vancouver were raving about a wonderful new technology -wonderful new technology -

PLASCO (plasma arc gasifier)- PLASCO (plasma arc gasifier)- being developed by former being developed by former Ottawa Senators’ owner Rod Ottawa Senators’ owner Rod BrydenBryden

Preface (continued)Preface (continued)

I pointed out that all this company had I pointed out that all this company had done was to build a 100 ton-per-day done was to build a 100 ton-per-day pilot project in Ottawa (about an hour pilot project in Ottawa (about an hour from where I live)from where I live)

While the company claimed marvelous While the company claimed marvelous things - things -

they had no dioxin measurements, they had no dioxin measurements, and had only produced energy for one and had only produced energy for one

hour (in nearly 2 years of testing!)hour (in nearly 2 years of testing!)

Update on the Plasco Update on the Plasco “magic machine”“magic machine”

Department of Public Department of Public Works, Los AngelesWorks, Los Angeles, June , June 1, 20091, 2009

““The vendor (Plasco Energy group) has The vendor (Plasco Energy group) has not demonstrated the ability of this not demonstrated the ability of this technology to process at least 1000 technology to process at least 1000 tons for any given one year period…tons for any given one year period…

““During the site visit, the facility was During the site visit, the facility was non-operational, and could not be non-operational, and could not be started after several attempts by the started after several attempts by the operators. operators. These concerns warrant the These concerns warrant the proposal unreliable for further proposal unreliable for further evaluation.”evaluation.”

Email from Ottawa Email from Ottawa August 20, 2009August 20, 2009 ““The pilot system has not worked The pilot system has not worked

for several months apparently due for several months apparently due to mechanical problems with the to mechanical problems with the feed mechanism. There has been feed mechanism. There has been little publicity lately. Their web site little publicity lately. Their web site appears silent. Things look stalled. I appears silent. Things look stalled. I read recently that Rod Bryden is read recently that Rod Bryden is actively hustling some other actively hustling some other technology.”technology.”

The problems with the The problems with the Kamloops gasification plantKamloops gasification plant

1) Inexperience of the operator1) Inexperience of the operator 2) Scaling up from a small research 2) Scaling up from a small research

project to a commercial operationproject to a commercial operation 3) This Gasification plant is an 3) This Gasification plant is an

incinerator in disguiseincinerator in disguise 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a

burning experimentburning experiment 5) Commercial gasification plants 5) Commercial gasification plants

have a dismal track recordhave a dismal track record

The problems with the The problems with the Kamloops gasifying Kamloops gasifying incinerator (continued)incinerator (continued) 6) Burning any kind of waste is dangerous6) Burning any kind of waste is dangerous 7) Creosote treated ties presents a complex 7) Creosote treated ties presents a complex

burning problemburning problem 8) Creosote treated ties may be the thin 8) Creosote treated ties may be the thin

end of the wedgeend of the wedge 9) Disposal of toxic by-products 9) Disposal of toxic by-products 10) Incineration of any kind threatens local 10) Incineration of any kind threatens local

democracydemocracy

1) Inexperience of the operator1) Inexperience of the operator

From what I can gatherFrom what I can gather The company has not a run facility of The company has not a run facility of

this type anywhere elsethis type anywhere else This company seems to have more This company seems to have more

prowess at putting business deals prowess at putting business deals together and attracting government together and attracting government grants than it has in engineering skillsgrants than it has in engineering skills

The people that push these appear to The people that push these appear to be far more interested in making be far more interested in making energy than the subtle problems of air energy than the subtle problems of air pollutionpollution

2) Scaling up from a small 2) Scaling up from a small research projectresearch project

People have been proposing using People have been proposing using gasification to deal with a whole gasification to deal with a whole variety of waste streams for many variety of waste streams for many yearsyears

The big problem has been scaling The big problem has been scaling up from a lab-type scale to up from a lab-type scale to commercial operationscommercial operations

There have been many economic There have been many economic and environmental failuresand environmental failures

3) This Gasification plant is 3) This Gasification plant is an incinerator in disguisean incinerator in disguise Incinerators are so unpopular with the Incinerators are so unpopular with the

public that promoters use different public that promoters use different names like resource recovery facilities, names like resource recovery facilities, waste-to-energy waste-to-energy

The latest phase is to call them gasifiers, The latest phase is to call them gasifiers, pyrolyzers or plasma arc facilitiespyrolyzers or plasma arc facilities

These would be genuine names if the These would be genuine names if the gases produced were converted into gases produced were converted into liquid fuels or chemical feedstock, butliquid fuels or chemical feedstock, but

When the gas is burned then they When the gas is burned then they become incinerators in disguisebecome incinerators in disguise

This plant is a gasifying This plant is a gasifying incineratorincinerator

Step 1: the solid waste (creosote treated Step 1: the solid waste (creosote treated ties) is converted to a gas, andties) is converted to a gas, and

Step 2: the gas is burned in an engineStep 2: the gas is burned in an engine When the gas is burned you create many of When the gas is burned you create many of

the same problems as incineration.the same problems as incineration. Air pollution is hostage to 1) how well the Air pollution is hostage to 1) how well the

gas is cleaned before it is burned and 2) gas is cleaned before it is burned and 2) how well the gases from the engine are how well the gases from the engine are cleaned before they go into the air.cleaned before they go into the air.

The better the cleaning devices the more The better the cleaning devices the more toxic are the by-products which have to be toxic are the by-products which have to be got rid ofgot rid of

In a modern waste In a modern waste incinerator more than incinerator more than half the total capital half the total capital costs goes into air costs goes into air pollution control pollution control equipmentequipmentand the captured fly and the captured fly ash has to be treated ash has to be treated as hazardous wasteas hazardous waste

CHUTE

SECONDARYCHAMBER

TURBINE

BOILER

ELECTRICITY

STEAM

TRASH

BOTTOM ASH FLY ASH

TEMP< 200oC

SEMI-DRYSCRUBBER

FABRIC FILTER

WET SCRUBBER

DE-NOX

ACTIVATEDCHARCOAL

Ca(OH) 2 SUSPENSION

AMMONIAINJECTION

GRATES

For every 3-4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ashFor every 3-4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ash

4) Kamloops is not the place 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a burning experimentto run a burning experiment

Kamloops has a large populationKamloops has a large population Your river is perhaps the most Your river is perhaps the most

precious you haveprecious you have Kamloops has a topography which Kamloops has a topography which

does not allow ready dispersal of does not allow ready dispersal of pollutants from its air shed (inversions pollutants from its air shed (inversions etc)etc)

Your air shed is already overburdenedYour air shed is already overburdened You have over two times the average You have over two times the average

background levels in Canadabackground levels in Canada

BC Fine Dust (2006 BC Fine Dust (2006 Ministry of Environment)Ministry of Environment)

4) Kamloops is not the place 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a burning experiment to run a burning experiment (cont)(cont) You are already suffering the You are already suffering the

consequences of that pollutionconsequences of that pollution Higher asthmatic rates etcHigher asthmatic rates etc You don’t need to make that worseYou don’t need to make that worse Even a clean wood burner would not be Even a clean wood burner would not be

appropriate in this air spaceappropriate in this air space These railroad ties are going to come These railroad ties are going to come

from a very large region - is this the from a very large region - is this the best location in that whole region to best location in that whole region to build such a facility?build such a facility?

5) The track record of 5) The track record of commercial gasification plants is commercial gasification plants is dismaldismal There is a world of difference between There is a world of difference between

the claims made by promoters (sales the claims made by promoters (sales hype or PR) and the reality when they hype or PR) and the reality when they are built.are built.

Here I will examine some of the Here I will examine some of the claimsclaims and then compare it with the and then compare it with the realityreality

Many of the following slides are taken Many of the following slides are taken from GreenAction (from GreenAction (greenaction.orggreenaction.org) ) which along with GAIA (which along with GAIA (no-burn.orgno-burn.org) ) have produced a report on have produced a report on “incinerators in disguise”“incinerators in disguise”

THE CLAIMSTHE CLAIMS

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

INDUSTRIAL CLAIMS

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (LZW) decompressorare needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a

TIFF (LZW) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

The THERMOSELECT Gasifying incineratorThe THERMOSELECT Gasifying incineratorBuilt in KARLSRUHE, Germany, in 1998Built in KARLSRUHE, Germany, in 1998

THERMOSELECT Resource Recovery Process

Presented to Greater London Authority on 13 March 2003 – City Solutions Stakeholder Day

THE REALITYTHE REALITY



THERMOSELECT FACILITY IN KARLSRUHE

Gasification - Gasification - ThermoselectThermoselect

Reality: A Total Financial, Technical & Environmental Disaster

• Germany 1999 – 2004 planned for 225,000 tons/year (owner ENBW - a giant power company)

• Actual realised annual throughput: 13 – 52 %; frequent mal-functions and major shut-downs

• Plant in “test service” for 3 years: much higher than normal emission levels granted

• At 117,000 tons per year actual throughput: • 750 million standard cubic feet of natural gas was consumed (40,000 tons CO2)• 400,000 m3 groundwater used (and applied for 1,000,000 m3 per year)• dumped 90,000 – 120,000 m3 per year (polluted) waste water• 27,000 tons slag – to be treated as industrial waste• 1,700 tons zinc-concentrate - to be treated as industrial waste• 1,100 tons sulphur cake - to be treated as industrial waste• 3,200 tons highly toxic mixed salts - to be treated as industrial waste• 700 tons other – high air emissions (SO2, NOx etc)

Final shut-down in 2004: close to 1 B$ loss; all TS projects in Europe cancelled.Endless expensive law suits against ENBW and communities

Despite this dismal Despite this dismal failurefailure Thermoselect was one of the Thermoselect was one of the

technologies chosen for technologies chosen for development in Christina Lake by development in Christina Lake by the Aquilini empirethe Aquilini empire

The previous slide was presented The previous slide was presented at a public hearing in Christina at a public hearing in Christina Lake by a local engineer Raimund Lake by a local engineer Raimund Wage (a project engineer for Shell)Wage (a project engineer for Shell)



The BRIGHTSTAR gasifying incinerator built inThe BRIGHTSTAR gasifying incinerator built in WOLLONGONG, Australia in 2001WOLLONGONG, Australia in 2001

THE REALITYTHE REALITY



BRIGHTSTAR’S WOOLONGONG FACILITY

GASIFICATION, GASIFICATION, PYROLYSIS PYROLYSIS

Engineering consultants’ view:Engineering consultants’ view:

““Many of the perceived benefits of Many of the perceived benefits of gasification and pyrolysis over gasification and pyrolysis over combustion technology proved to be combustion technology proved to be unfounded. These perceptions have unfounded. These perceptions have arisen mainly from inconsistent arisen mainly from inconsistent comparisons in the absence of quality comparisons in the absence of quality information.”information.”

Fichtner Consulting Engineers Ltd, Stockport, Fichtner Consulting Engineers Ltd, Stockport, Cheshire, March, 2004Cheshire, March, 2004

Lurgi (a major engineering Lurgi (a major engineering company) company) pulled out of the pulled out of the gasification business in gasification business in 2003 2003 (see letter)(see letter)

Lurgi letterLurgi letter “…“…a decision has been taken within Lurgi to a decision has been taken within Lurgi to

discontinue marketing gasification and pyrolysis discontinue marketing gasification and pyrolysis technologies for waste conversion applications.technologies for waste conversion applications.

This decision has come after rigorous analysis of This decision has come after rigorous analysis of market requirements, technical feasibility and market requirements, technical feasibility and economic sensitivities of gasification and pyrolysis of economic sensitivities of gasification and pyrolysis of waste, as applied by Lurgi and our competitors. waste, as applied by Lurgi and our competitors.

We recognize there is a positive bias towards We recognize there is a positive bias towards gasification/pyrolysis amongst politicians and gasification/pyrolysis amongst politicians and environmentalists. However, we are in no doubt that environmentalists. However, we are in no doubt that in the short to medium term neither technology will in the short to medium term neither technology will be developed and commercially proven to the point be developed and commercially proven to the point where it can compete.”where it can compete.”

Letter (08-09-2003) to Fichter Consulting Engineers Ltd, Letter (08-09-2003) to Fichter Consulting Engineers Ltd, Cheshire, UKCheshire, UK

PLASCOPLASCO (plasma arc (plasma arc gasifying incienrator)gasifying incienrator)

Has built a 100 ton per day pilot Has built a 100 ton per day pilot plant in Ottawa, Canadaplant in Ottawa, Canada

Is aggressively marketing Is aggressively marketing technology all over Canada, US and technology all over Canada, US and some other countriessome other countries

The owner of PLASCO, former owner The owner of PLASCO, former owner of the Ottawa Senators, has made of the Ottawa Senators, has made some extraordinary claims about the some extraordinary claims about the facility: facility:

PLASCOPLASCO CEO Rod CEO Rod Bryden says:Bryden says: 1) Filter ash goes back into furnace.1) Filter ash goes back into furnace. 2) System produces no dioxin 2) System produces no dioxin

because no oxygen available.because no oxygen available. 3) System destroys nanoparticles.3) System destroys nanoparticles. 4) Slag to be used in asphalt & 4) Slag to be used in asphalt &

concrete.concrete. 5) Salt to be used on roads.5) Salt to be used on roads. 6) Sulfur to be used in agriculture.6) Sulfur to be used in agriculture.

Department of Public Department of Public Works, Los AngelesWorks, Los Angeles, June , June 1, 20091, 2009

““The vendor (Plasco Energy group) has The vendor (Plasco Energy group) has not demonstrated the ability of this not demonstrated the ability of this technology to process at least 1000 technology to process at least 1000 tons for any given one year period…tons for any given one year period…

““During the site visit, the facility was During the site visit, the facility was non-operational, and could not be non-operational, and could not be started after several attempts by the started after several attempts by the operators. These concerns warrant the operators. These concerns warrant the proposal unreliable for further proposal unreliable for further evaluation.”evaluation.”

Other rejections:Other rejections:

Port Moody, BC, recetnly rejected Port Moody, BC, recetnly rejected a Plasco facility a Plasco facility

Ashcroft, BC, recently rejected a Ashcroft, BC, recently rejected a gasification facility (supposedly to gasification facility (supposedly to be opened in 2008) to burn be opened in 2008) to burn croesote treated railroad tiescroesote treated railroad ties

6. Burning any kind of 6. Burning any kind of waste is dangerouswaste is dangerous Burning produces toxic air emissionsBurning produces toxic air emissions Burning is never complete - YOU ALWAYS Burning is never complete - YOU ALWAYS

GET products of incomplete combustion GET products of incomplete combustion (PICs)(PICs)

Elements cannot be destroyed with Elements cannot be destroyed with burning. Any toxic metals present in the burning. Any toxic metals present in the waste are releasedwaste are released

As you get better at protecting the air, the As you get better at protecting the air, the collected residues (solid or wet - fly ash of collected residues (solid or wet - fly ash of scrubbing effluent) are more toxic and scrubbing effluent) are more toxic and more expensive to get rid ofmore expensive to get rid of

Incinerators put many highly toxic Incinerators put many highly toxic and persistent substances into and persistent substances into

the airthe air

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O

ACID GASES:HCI, HF, SO2

NOx

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O


NOx

TOXIC METALS:Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr etc

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O


NOx


NEW COMPOUNDSNEW COMPOUNDS::

PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCB’sPCB’sETCETC

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O


NOx


NEW COMPOUNDSNEW COMPOUNDS::

PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCB’sPCB’sETCETC

NANONANOPARTICLESPARTICLES

Size of Size of Particle Particle

regulatedregulatedin incineratorin incinerator

emissionsemissionsNANOPARTICLESNANOPARTICLES

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Brominated/chlorinated

dioxins and furans

Polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons

Catalytic oxidizers

Incineration andIncineration and nanoparticles nanoparticles Nanoparticles are not Nanoparticles are not

efficiently captured by air efficiently captured by air pollution control devicespollution control devices

Travel long distancesTravel long distances Remain suspended for long Remain suspended for long

periods of time (especially periods of time (especially during air inversions over during air inversions over cities)cities)

Penetrate deep into the lungsPenetrate deep into the lungs

We already know that We already know that air particulate matter air particulate matter causes many health causes many health problemsproblems

RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS related to air particulaterelated to air particulate

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Acute and chronic bronchitis

• Emphysemia

• lung Cancer

PM 10

PM 2,5

Slide from Dr. Ferninando LargiSlide from Dr. Ferninando Largi

Nanoparticles are Nanoparticles are worse than 10 micron worse than 10 micron particles, or 2.5 particles, or 2.5 micron particles or micron particles or even 1 micron even 1 micron particlesparticles

BLOODBLOOD

Nano particles are Nano particles are so small theyso small they

can easily crosscan easily cross the lung membranethe lung membrane

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

Once nanoparticles Once nanoparticles have entered the have entered the bloodstream they bloodstream they can easily cross the can easily cross the membranes of membranes of every tissue in the every tissue in the body.body.

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

They can even cross the blood They can even cross the blood brain barrierbrain barrier

Aggregati di PiomboAggregati di Piombo, , BarioBario, , CromoCromo, , FerroFerro e e SilicioSilicio in in CervelloCervello..

www.stefanomontanari.net

Dioxins and Dioxins and IncinerationIncineration

(more detailed ppt(more detailed pptavailable)available)

Dioxins - major concernsDioxins - major concerns• Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.• One literOne liter of cows’ milk gives the of cows’ milk gives the

same dose of dioxin as breathing air same dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the cows for next to the cows for EIGHT MONTHSEIGHT MONTHS (Connett and Webster, 1987). (Connett and Webster, 1987).

• Dioxins steadily accumulate in Dioxins steadily accumulate in human body fat.human body fat.

• The man cannot get rid of them The man cannot get rid of them BUT BUT A woman can…A woman can…

• ……by having a baby!by having a baby!

Dioxins: the highest Dioxins: the highest dose goes to the fetusdose goes to the fetus

In nine months In nine months much of the much of the dioxin which dioxin which has has accumulated in accumulated in the mother’s fat the mother’s fat for 20-30 years for 20-30 years goes to the goes to the fetusfetus

Dioxins can disrupt fetal Dioxins can disrupt fetal and infant developmentand infant development

Dioxins act like fat soluble Dioxins act like fat soluble hormoneshormones

Disrupt at least 6 different Disrupt at least 6 different hormonal systems: hormonal systems:

malemale and and femalefemale sex hormonessex hormones;; thyroid hormonesthyroid hormones;; insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.

Dioxins interfere with fetal Dioxins interfere with fetal and infant developmentand infant development

Linda S. Birnbaum (Linda S. Birnbaum (Health Effects Health Effects Research Laboratory, US EPA) Research Laboratory, US EPA) Developmental Effects of DioxinsDevelopmental Effects of Dioxins Environmental Health PerspectivesEnvironmental Health Perspectives, , 103103: 89-94, 1995: 89-94, 1995

Our Stolen FutureOur Stolen FutureHow Man-made Chemicals are How Man-made Chemicals are Threatening our Fertility, Threatening our Fertility,

Intelligence and SurvivalIntelligence and Survival

Theo ColbornTheo Colborn

John Peterson MyersJohn Peterson Myers

Dianne DumanoskiDianne Dumanoski

19941994

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003

Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds in the Food Supplyin the Food Supply

Strategies to Decrease ExposureStrategies to Decrease Exposure

July 1, 2003July 1, 2003

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003 Fetuses and breastfeeding Fetuses and breastfeeding

infants may be at particular riskinfants may be at particular risk from exposure to dioxin like from exposure to dioxin like compounds (DLCs) due to their compounds (DLCs) due to their potential to cause potential to cause adverse adverse neurodevelopmental, neurodevelopmental, neurobehavioral, and immune neurobehavioral, and immune system effectssystem effects in developing in developing systems…systems…

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003 ……The committee recommends that The committee recommends that

the government place a the government place a high public high public health priorityhealth priority on reducing DLC on reducing DLC intakes by girls and young women intakes by girls and young women in in the years well before pregnancy is the years well before pregnancy is likely to occur.likely to occur.

(by) (by) Substituting low-fat or skim milk, Substituting low-fat or skim milk, for whole milk, for whole milk, (and)…(and)… foods lower in foods lower in animal fat…animal fat…

Dioxins & Incineration Dioxins & Incineration (conclusions)(conclusions) We have too much dioxin in our foodWe have too much dioxin in our food We have too much dioxin in our We have too much dioxin in our

bodiesbodies We have too much dioxin in our We have too much dioxin in our

babiesbabies We shouldn’t be putting any more We shouldn’t be putting any more

dioxin into the environment if we dioxin into the environment if we can possibly avoid doing socan possibly avoid doing so

Incineration is an AVOIDABLE source Incineration is an AVOIDABLE source of dioxinof dioxin

7) Creosote treated ties 7) Creosote treated ties presents a complex burning presents a complex burning problemproblem Creosote has been used for a long Creosote has been used for a long

time to protect wood time to protect wood It is very effectiveIt is very effective But we now know that it is a very But we now know that it is a very

toxic materialtoxic material It presents some serious It presents some serious

problems when you try to burn itproblems when you try to burn it

CreosoteCreosote Creosote is derived from coal tarCreosote is derived from coal tar It contains It contains benzene,benzene, phenols,phenols, polyaromaticspolyaromatics Many of these substances are Many of these substances are

carcinogeniccarcinogenic All are precursors for dioxin and furan All are precursors for dioxin and furan

formation when burned if there is a formation when burned if there is a source of chlorine available. Chloride source of chlorine available. Chloride ion is present in wood.ion is present in wood.

Commercial wood burners emit dioxinCommercial wood burners emit dioxin

DIOXINSDIOXINSThe chemical structuresThe chemical structures

Dioxin like compounds Dioxin like compounds (DLC)(DLC) 3 families3 families PCBsPCBs PCDFs (furans)PCDFs (furans) PCDDs (dioxins)PCDDs (dioxins) There are many others, but these There are many others, but these

are the most familiarare the most familiar

BenzeneBenzene

C

CC

C

CC

H

H

H

H

H

H=

C6H6

BENZENEBENZENE

BIPHENYLBIPHENYL

One of 209 PCBSOne of 209 PCBS

One of 209 PCBSOne of 209 PCBS

PCBs = a family of compounds in which chlorine atoms are substituted for hydrogen

at 1 to 10 positions of BIPHENYL .

Polychlorinated biphenyls

Furans (or PCDFs) have an oxygen atom forminga five membered ring (the furan) between the two benzenes of PCBs. There are 135 furans.

Furans (or PCDFs) have an oxygen atom forminga five membered ring (the furan) between the two benzenes of PCBs. There are 135 furans.

Furans (or PCDFs)

2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN

Dioxins (or PCDDs) have two oxygen atoms linking the two benzene rings, forming the

dioxin ring. There are 75 dioxins.

2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN

Dioxins (or PCDDs) have two oxygen atoms linking the two benzene rings, forming the

dioxin ring. There are 75 dioxins.

Dioxins (or PCDDs)

2,3,7,8-TETRA CHLORO DIBENZO FURAN

11

22

33

4455

66

77

88

99

There are 17 extremely toxic dioxins and furans. They have chlorine at the 2,3,7 and 8 positions: 7 Dioxins and 10 Furans

Other Dioxin like Other Dioxin like compoundscompounds

PCBs (poly chlorinated biphenyls) PCBs (poly chlorinated biphenyls) PBBs (poly brominated biphenyls)PBBs (poly brominated biphenyls) PBDFs (poly brominated dibenzo furans)PBDFs (poly brominated dibenzo furans) PBDDs (poly brominated dibenzo dioxins)PBDDs (poly brominated dibenzo dioxins) PBCDDs and PBCDFs (mixed brominated PBCDDs and PBCDFs (mixed brominated

and chlorinated dibenzo dioxins and and chlorinated dibenzo dioxins and furans)furans)

PBDPE (poly brominated diphenyl ethers)PBDPE (poly brominated diphenyl ethers) Poly brominated and chlorinated Poly brominated and chlorinated

napthalenesnapthalenes Nitrogen and sulfur analogues!Nitrogen and sulfur analogues!

DIOXINSDIOXINS: The biology: The biology

DioxinDioxinOrOr

Dioxin-likeDioxin-likeCompoundCompound

(DLC)(DLC)

CELLCELL

Ah receptorAh receptor

ArntArntproteinprotein

ComplexComplexWith With

Changed shapeChanged shape

DNADNA

NUCLEUSNUCLEUS

Dioxins Dioxins do not causedo not cause

mutationsmutationsButBut

switch on genesswitch on genes

Switching on a geneSwitching on a gene means producing ameans producing a

specific messenger RNAspecific messenger RNAwhich codes for awhich codes for aspecific proteinspecific protein

messenger RNAmessenger RNAtravels to thetravels to the

ribosomeribosome(= protein(= proteinfactory)factory)

In the ribosomeIn the ribosomethe messenger RNAthe messenger RNA

directs thedirects theproduction of aproduction of aspecific proteinspecific protein

NewNewproteinprotein

NewNewproteinprotein

New protein modifiesNew protein modifies the activity of the cellthe activity of the cell

Ah receptorAh receptor

Two remarkable things Two remarkable things about the about the

1) After 30 years of research scientists do not know 1) After 30 years of research scientists do not know what it is in the cell for. They have not identified its what it is in the cell for. They have not identified its normal ligand or function.normal ligand or function.

??

2) The Ah receptor appears in evolution at the same 2) The Ah receptor appears in evolution at the same time as the backbone appears in fish. Every species time as the backbone appears in fish. Every species above invertebrates has the Ah receptor.above invertebrates has the Ah receptor.

Ah ReceptorAh Receptor

Incineration is poorly Incineration is poorly and unscientifically and unscientifically monitoredmonitored

YOU NEED THREE THINGS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM TOXIC EMISSIONS.


STRONG REGULATIONS


STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING


STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING

TOUGHENFORCEMENT


STRONG REGULATIONS

ADEQUATEMONITORING

TOUGHENFORCEMENT

IF ANY LINK IS WEAK THE PUBLIC IS NOT PROTECTED

The use of the flare The use of the flare stackstack ““The flare stack will be used for The flare stack will be used for

start-up, shut-down, and start-up, shut-down, and unplanned events (less than 5% of unplanned events (less than 5% of the time).”the time).”

ACC Permit application to MOE, ( June 2009)ACC Permit application to MOE, ( June 2009) These are periods of maximum These are periods of maximum

dioxin emissions!dioxin emissions! Nearly one hour a day!Nearly one hour a day! 17 days a year!17 days a year!

Q & A to ACCQ & A to ACC

Q. What will be the air emissions? Details?Q. What will be the air emissions? Details? A. Less than Natural gas, again our A. Less than Natural gas, again our

technical report provides details the technical report provides details the expected emissions.expected emissions.

Q. What are the permitted levels of Q. What are the permitted levels of dioxins?dioxins?

A. Almost every human industrial activity A. Almost every human industrial activity and some recreational activities such as and some recreational activities such as campfires and fireplaces produce dioxins. campfires and fireplaces produce dioxins. Or process minimizes tars and results in a Or process minimizes tars and results in a cleaner quality gas.cleaner quality gas.

Stantec, August 25, Stantec, August 25, 20092009 Section 4. Air EmissionsSection 4. Air Emissions 4.1.1 Engine emissions4.1.1 Engine emissions The emission rates and stack parameters for The emission rates and stack parameters for

the two 1 MW internal combustion engines the two 1 MW internal combustion engines were calculated based on were calculated based on preliminary datapreliminary data obtained from tests conducted by the Energy obtained from tests conducted by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC & Environmental Research Center (EERC 2008;EERC 2009)…2008;EERC 2009)…no data givenno data given

Table 2 gives estimated emission rates in Table 2 gives estimated emission rates in grams per second for SO2, CO, NOx, PM grams per second for SO2, CO, NOx, PM (PM2.5)(PM2.5)

Dioxin monitoring in North Dioxin monitoring in North America is totally inadequateAmerica is totally inadequate

Incinerator only measured once a year - Incinerator only measured once a year - usually with a month’s notice to the usually with a month’s notice to the companycompany

Data collected under ideal conditionsData collected under ideal conditions 3 x 6 hour tests used3 x 6 hour tests used 18 hours of IDEAL data being used to 18 hours of IDEAL data being used to

extrapolate to 8000 hours of REAL operationextrapolate to 8000 hours of REAL operation Worse still - they use an AVERAGE instead of Worse still - they use an AVERAGE instead of

a 95% upper confidence level a 95% upper confidence level

8) Creosote treated ties 8) Creosote treated ties may be the thin end of may be the thin end of the wedgethe wedge

A huge concern is that in addition to A huge concern is that in addition to creosote treated tiescreosote treated ties

The plant will “accidentally” or out The plant will “accidentally” or out of “economic necessity” burn ties, of “economic necessity” burn ties, or other wood, treated with or other wood, treated with pentachlorophenol or copper pentachlorophenol or copper chromium arsenatechromium arsenate

And/or wood derived from And/or wood derived from construction and demolition debrisconstruction and demolition debris

9) Handling of the residues 9) Handling of the residues presents another burden on the presents another burden on the communitycommunity

The plant will produce solid residues - The plant will produce solid residues - bottom or furnace ash/char and possibly bottom or furnace ash/char and possibly fly ashfly ash

If a wet scrubbing system is used it will If a wet scrubbing system is used it will also produce a liquid effluentalso produce a liquid effluent

These will be passed onto the community These will be passed onto the community for disposalfor disposal

This may be a blessing in disguise as it This may be a blessing in disguise as it will provide a point of intervention by will provide a point of intervention by local decision makerslocal decision makers

10) Incineration of any kind 10) Incineration of any kind threatens local democracythreatens local democracy

Often the state or province is in favor of incineration. It Often the state or province is in favor of incineration. It is a lazy quick fix and promises to produce “alternative is a lazy quick fix and promises to produce “alternative energy.”energy.”

But incineration is very unpopular with the public. It But incineration is very unpopular with the public. It threatens their health and they don’t trust authorities threatens their health and they don’t trust authorities to protect them. In Canada and the US regulatory to protect them. In Canada and the US regulatory standards are weak and poorly monitored. standards are weak and poorly monitored.

Incineration threatens existing economic interests like Incineration threatens existing economic interests like agriculture, fishing and tourism.agriculture, fishing and tourism.

And because public perception is so bad it threatens And because public perception is so bad it threatens property values.property values.

The struggle is to find a way to get the democratic The struggle is to find a way to get the democratic process to protect the citizens’ interest rather than process to protect the citizens’ interest rather than corporate interest.corporate interest.

Local interventionLocal intervention

1) Councilors should be encouraged to set up 1) Councilors should be encouraged to set up a “task force” to investigate the impacts that a “task force” to investigate the impacts that this facility will have on the local community, this facility will have on the local community, which can have far broader terms of which can have far broader terms of reference than the provincial bureaucratic reference than the provincial bureaucratic assessment.assessment.

2) A full environmental impact assessment 2) A full environmental impact assessment needs to be undertaken to assess the needs to be undertaken to assess the impacts of local disposal of the solid and impacts of local disposal of the solid and liquid effluents from this facility.liquid effluents from this facility.

The problems with the The problems with the Kamloops gasification plantKamloops gasification plant

1) Inexperience of the operator1) Inexperience of the operator 2) Scaling up from a small research 2) Scaling up from a small research

project to a commercial operationproject to a commercial operation 3) This Gasification plant is an 3) This Gasification plant is an

incinerator in disguiseincinerator in disguise 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a 4) Kamloops is not the place to run a

burning experimentburning experiment 5) Commercial gasification plants 5) Commercial gasification plants

have a dismal track recordhave a dismal track record

The problems with the The problems with the Kamloops gasifying Kamloops gasifying incinerator (continued)incinerator (continued) 6) Burning any kind of waste is dangerous6) Burning any kind of waste is dangerous 7) Creosote treated ties presents a complex 7) Creosote treated ties presents a complex

burning problemburning problem 8) Creosote treated ties may be the thin 8) Creosote treated ties may be the thin

end of the wedgeend of the wedge 9) Disposal of toxic by-products 9) Disposal of toxic by-products 10) Incineration of any kind threatens local 10) Incineration of any kind threatens local

democracydemocracy

My advice: Fight this My advice: Fight this projectproject

I came here to show you that the science - I came here to show you that the science - as well as the common sense - is on your as well as the common sense - is on your side on this issueside on this issue

But I can’t win this battle for you -only But I can’t win this battle for you -only you you can do thatcan do that

Polite people get poisoned -Polite people get poisoned - Angry people get organized!Angry people get organized! Don’t let them marginalize your leadersDon’t let them marginalize your leaders Don’t let them tell you that if you knew as Don’t let them tell you that if you knew as

much about their technology as they did, much about their technology as they did, you would realize that they are brilliant you would realize that they are brilliant and you are stupid! and you are stupid!

A threatened community is a strengthened A threatened community is a strengthened community - community - IF IF - You - You ALLALL work together to work together to beat the threatbeat the threat

Don’t be fooledDon’t be fooled

Promoters will urge you to wait for Promoters will urge you to wait for the Province to resolve any health the Province to resolve any health issuesissues

But your best chance of stopping this But your best chance of stopping this project is while it is still in the project is while it is still in the democratic processdemocratic process

You have to make it very clear to You have to make it very clear to your political leaders - AT ALL LEVELS your political leaders - AT ALL LEVELS - that you do not want this facility- that you do not want this facility

This isn’t just a local This isn’t just a local issueissue

There are 30- 40 gasification and other There are 30- 40 gasification and other incinerator proposals in BC right now. This incinerator proposals in BC right now. This facility could set a horrible precedent.facility could set a horrible precedent.

In addition to the toxicity issues there is the In addition to the toxicity issues there is the issue of sustainabilityissue of sustainability

Incineration is a huge sabotage of a genuine Incineration is a huge sabotage of a genuine attempt to move towards a sustainable society, attempt to move towards a sustainable society, which more than anything else requires a shift which more than anything else requires a shift from the back end of waste disposal to the from the back end of waste disposal to the front end of industrial design. front end of industrial design.

I have a separate presentation on this, which I I have a separate presentation on this, which I can make available can make available

Three final messagesThree final messages 1. 1. To citizensTo citizens - don’t let the - don’t let the

experts take your common sense experts take your common sense awayaway

2. 2. To politiciansTo politicians - put your faith - put your faith back in peopleback in people

3. 3. To activistsTo activists - - HAVE HAVE FFUUNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GodGodrecycles,recycles,The devilThe devil

burnsburns

Extra Slides:Extra Slides:Waste Management &Waste Management &

SustainabilitySustainability

Kamloops.1

Health & Medicine

kamloops gasification

burning experiment kamloops

kamloops gasifying incinerator

com kamloops

kind of waste

air space

modern waste incinerator

hazardous waste