SOMETHING SMELLS BAD IN SHELTON

John Cox speaking at 9/27/11 ORCAA/SIMPSON AOP Hearing

ARE WE SUPPOSED TO JUST ACCEPT A STINKING.
POLLUTING EYESORE AS STATUS QUO?

Submitted to Shelton Blog by John Cox Mason County Progressive

We are here tonight because Simpson Lumber wants to renew its five year permit to pollute the air. In the past this process has been a forgone conclusion, and I am sure there are various forces that intend it to stay that way.

In the past, Simpson's contract with the community was to provide jobs and make some people rich while externalizing some of its operating costs by being permitted to pollute the environment.

But, I think "the times, they are a changin'!"

There are three primary reasons for this change:

The first is that it's getting harder and harder to deny global warming and Simpson's contribution to it.

The second (with many thanks to ADAGE) is that many local citizens have educated themselves to the true cost of Simpson's operations to their health and the health of the environment. We are no longer willing to just accept the "old permitting habits" without question or challenge.

And third, Simpson is no longer the employment powerhouse it once was in Mason County.

This is why this public hearing is even happening at all.

My specific question concerns the very noticeable stench that occurs at frequent intervals when Simpson is operating its incinerator.

I know there have been numerous complaints about this made to ORCAA, but I have yet to see (or smell) any evidence of anything being done about it.

What is the cause of the stench? Are objectionable odors not covered by the operating permit? Can Simpson be made to improve their pollution controls so that odors and other threats to our health are reduced? Actually Simpson, why haven't you already done something about this?

Or, are we supposed to just accept a stinking, polluting eyesore as status quo?

I don't think so.

Thank you for your time.

John Cox
Shelton, WA

Photo by Christine