Dear Editor:
Re: Rail Tie Appeals Target Air Emissions and Ash Landfill Permits, December 15, 2016
Interesting that MOEs Mr. Karn openly acknowledges that hazardous waste could end up in the ash residue from burning railroad ties at Atlantic Power.
While the recently-approved permit amendment prohibits hazardous waste from being landfilled, there is no mention of what should be done with it.
And how will they determine if hazardous waste reaches the ash landfill, perched atop the unstable river valley escarpment?
Atlantic Power is responsible for testing the ash and reporting if hazardous wastes exceed standards.
At most they must test quarterly, presumably at a time and fuel content of their choosing.
They are also responsible for reporting any non-compliance.
No remedy other than more frequent testing is required in the amended permits.
Since not all rail ties are treated with the same chemicals, a single test every three months can hardly yield comprehensive results.
Only random monitoring of incoming loads to detect non-approved fuel types is prescribed.
Given that the modelling tests done in 2001 revealed that ash from burning rail ties contained significantly higher levels of carcinogens than plain hog fuel ash, I am not at all confident that these procedures adequately protect the health of our community.
We are still reeling from the disastrous and ongoing effects of mismanagement and lack of proper oversight at Mt. Polley Mine.
Have we learned nothing?
Jenny Noble
Williams Lake