Port Asked to Impose Moratorium on Biomass

Port of Shelton Commissioners' Meeting 1/4/11

Submitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis

Ah, another fine day at the Port of Shelton, a place where small minds meet to seek refuge from the light of knowledge.

What follows is a letter I submitted today at the first Port meeting of the year. Immediately thereafter, Commissioner Jay Hupp moved to request the board write two letters of their own: one to the County Commissioners, the other to ORCAA, both in support of the proposed Adage biomass incinerator.

The timing of his - thumb in your eye - action was not lost on those who still bother to attend these meetings, though, even by Port standards, such antics appeared juvenile.

Fortunately, Commissioner Tom Wallitner failed to second Hupp’s reactionary tantrum, and the motion died - a well deserved death - for lack of a second. Thank you Mr. Wallitner; glad to see that new bypass is getting blood up to your brain. Hupp, Hupp, hooray for Tom!

Here’s the letter:

January 4, 2011

RE: Moratorium on Biomass

Port of Shelton Commissioners:

Recent published reports by world recognized health organizations and government regulatory agencies have raised serious concerns about the health consequences relative to the operation of biomass fueled power generating facilities. As a result, commissioners of neighboring Thurston County have taken a leadership role by imposing a twelve month moratorium on all such facilities.

Thurston County reasoned that to expose the public to exactly those elements the medical community has recognized as being hazardous to human health, even in the short term, constituted an unacceptable risk, at least at this time.

For these same reasons, I ask the Port of Shelton to follow Thurston County’s example and impose a moratorium on biomass fueled plants on Port property till such time as these health concerns have been adequately assessed. It is reasonable for the public to expect our leaders to advocate for the safety of their constituents. This can be accomplished if the Port of Shelton supports an Environmental Impact Statement as a condition of any business proposal involving a biomass fueled facility on Port property.

I urge this Commission to take immediate action as is being suggested here. If biomass energy production is as harmless to human health as has been suggested, it will remain as such even when subjected to closer scrutiny.

Sincerely,

Tom Davis
Shelton

SHELTON BLOG NOTE:

Tom Davis and Christine Armond, during the initial public comment period at the 1/4/11 Port meeting, nominated Jack Miles for Chair of the Port of Shelton Commission for 2011. Alas, (& of course, coming as no surprise) the Commission "assignments" will remain the same...Jay Hupp was once again elected (2-1).

Photo by Christine