Lax regulations allowing contaminated wastes to be burned as biomass mean that communities need to protect themselves – they can’t count on air permits to minimize bioenergy pollution.
A new report gives the most comprehensive listing to date of biomass power facilties proposed around the country, and the taxpayer and ratepayer-funded incentives driving explosive growth in the biomass industry.
The Hu Honua plant, an old coal burner which is being converted to burn wood, will emit 20 to 30 tons per year of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and hydrochloric acid, dangerous metals like arsenic and mercury, and harmful combustion byproducts including dioxin.
