Editor:
Re: Response to proposal to burn railway ties
We recently had a presentation from Atlantic Power with regards to the burning of old railway ties.
We don’t think the issue is burning, not much survives at 2,000F. It is more the handling and processing of the ties and shredded material to contain it and avoid getting into the environment.
Atlantic Power has suggested that they are looking at a $12-million investment that will include transportation, material handling, containment, etc. and a small number of permanent jobs, in addition to the 32 that work there now.
This would give the plant long-term security in its dealings with BC Hydro.
Right now, we see a lot of the ties sitting beside various railway tracks and many are leeching material into the environment.
We think a better solution would be to dispose of this material in a controlled fashion, rather than leaving it out in the open to contaminate. The power plant solved a big air quality issue when it started and it can be a solution to another environment issue. Let’s not turn away every opportunity without evaluating it carefully.
Bill Carruthers
Share the Cariboo Resources
Williams Lake