Editor:
We understand the public has concerns about emissions from the plant and their impacts on human health and the airshed.
Air Modeling Study was completed by RWDI, an independent engineering firm. It was designed in accordance with the technical requirements specified by the Ministry of Environment (MoE), and in direct consultation with the MoE’s air quality meteorologist. The model used by RWDI is widely accepted throughout North America.
While not required to do so, Atlantic Power (APWL) took the additional step of commissioning a Human Health Impact Study.
Both studies concluded that emissions from burning rail-ties at a 50 per cent mixture are within the applicable B.C. standards or, if no B.C. standards exist, Ontario standards, and do not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment.
The current B.C. limit for dioxins and furans is 100 parts per billion (ppb). A stack test of plant emissions from a 100 per cent mixture of rail-ties confirm that dioxin and furan emissions would be less than 3.4 ppb — or 3.4 per cent of the limit established to protect human health and the environment.
Some commentators have suggested the level of dioxins and furans in the ash created from burning rail ties would increase 1,500 per cent. What those commentators are not telling you is that the total level of these constituents would still be just 0.394 parts per billion — or less than 0.5 per cent of the 100 ppb limit established to protect the public.
The provincially permitted limit for measured particulate emissions (which include both PM10 and PM2.5) is 50 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m3). The emissions from the plant over the course of the last 13 years have average 6.3 mg/m3, or 12.5 per cent of that limit. The stack test using 100 per cent rail ties showed no increase in PM compared to our current biomass fuel supply.
We hope that the above information provides some context within which to view our ongoing commitment to transparency in this process, and our commitment to the human, environmental, social and economic health of this community.
As part of our ongoing engagement, APWL will be hosting a series of public tour opportunities in the month of March. Tours take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. between March 15 and March 30. All are welcome. Book a tour by e-mailing wlppinfo@atlanticpower.com.
The Air Modelling Study and Health Impacts studies that were done to assess our project are both available at the public library. A full Q&A document from the permitting process can be found at www.atlanticpower.com/williams-lake.
Atlantic Power signed a formal community benefits agreement with the Williams Lake Indian Band in January. We have also received letters of support for our application from City Council, the Cariboo Regional District, the Williams Lake Indian Band and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mark Blezard
Plant Manager