Important Meeting In Anderson (Advance, Carbon: houses, pros and cons, disposal)

[WILWRadio]

Anyone living near Anderson is urged to attend. This is about the proposed plan to build the PEAT Toxic Waste incinerator in the city of Anderson.

We are requesting as many people as humanly possible to attend a meeting about this proposed plant. The free public meeting will be held Tuesday January 6 at 7 P.M. at the First Church of the Nazarene (23rd and Jackson Street) in Anderson.

[ShadowCaver]

As I do not live in the Anderson area [just drive through via I-69, and visit the area on occasion], nor any stock/investment in this company, I have no direct stake in the outcome of this meeting. However, as an engineer, I am intrigued by this plasma process... while as a tree-hugging goofball, I highly desire that only the minimum pollution is created by any of our actions.

So, with that said, I challenge all to look behind the smoke and mirrors, behind any possible scare tactics [no offense intended], behind the little news blurbs/releases, and educate themselves directly - and think of what is the best means to dispose of the hazardous wastes created: landfills, incinerators, autoclaves, etc... all have their own set of pros and cons. None are perfect - for the most part the 'lowest cost solution' is the one used, not necessarily the 'best' one. Now, can this PEAK company deliver on its promises? I dunno... however, based on the following quick 'n dirty research, it does sound intriguing - enough in my warped scientific mind to give a good listen to. Now, maybe the proposed location is not the best site to put this [heck, don't want that cute wabbit waving at I-69'ers toppling over w/ some disease! ],,, but again, it seems that the technology has positive merit,,, especially when compared to other disposal routes, in terms of direct and/or indirect emissions and other hazards. Here for those interested some links to review:

The Herald Bulletin - VIEWPOINT: Anderson mayor should stop proposed incinerator

... I don’t believe for one minute that medical waste is the only mass going to be burned at PEAT International. It is only the crack in the door to more and more trash coming in. ...

jasmin46227 - TOXIC WASTE INCINERATORS - Greenpeace Member Blog

... from what I have heard the toxic air from this thing could be spread all over the state for hundreds of miles in all directions. I also read that the toxins that are to come out of this things 70ft tall smoke stack include Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, Mercury, and the cancer causing DIOXIN!!!! ...

Peat - Waste to Resources Advanced Systems Specialist Peat

... Using the proprietary PTDR [Plasma Thermal Destruction Recovery] technology, PEAT's environmentally friendly process converts wastes into a non-toxic synthetic gas (which is a valuable source of alternative energy) and other useful end-products. The PTDR is a proven, cost-effective, environmentally clean and commercially viable solution for waste remediation. ...

Waste Treatment Systems & Facility, Hazardous Waste Treatment at Peat.com

... Waste, when heated to a very high temperature in the controlled atmosphere of the reducing plasma reactor undergoes predictable physical and chemical changes. This high temperature, over 1,000°C (1,800°F) prevents the formation of complex organic molecules and breaks down organics into a gas. These primary molecules are stable above 965°C (1,770°F). The formation of dioxins or furans is impossible inside the plasma reactor due to the unique process features, including high uniform temperatures and a lack of excess oxygen within the system. ...

Howstuffworks "How Plasma Converters Work"

... Decontamination
The intense heat from plasma torches can completely neutralize the hazardous components found in diseased livestock or contaminated soil. Engineers could transport modular, portable plasma facilities to dispose of animal carcasses or treat soil on site. Incineration of such hazardous material doesn't always destroy all the contaminates, or produces ash that is also hazardous waste. Plasma gasification would destroy or render inert any harmful material. ...

Landfill Eliminators - Biomass Magazine

Plants that use extremely high temperatures to turn municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity are springing from the soils of countries around the globe including Canada, Spain, the United States and Japan. Although the process technologies and temperature ranges employed at these facilities vary, the basic concept is the same: MSW goes in, electricity comes out. In addition, unlike incineration few, if any, emissions are produced and little, if any, of the remaining material needs to be landfilled. ...

All I'm saying is to educate yourself on the truth, what the pros/cons are for this technology, and specifically what it means to the Anderson area - all of the potential good and/or bad; including possible traffic, emissions, benefits, etc. The above links are just meant to tickle peoples' interests, read & learn more for yourself... For example, would be great to know exactly what (a) would potentially go into this facility - any limits [enforced by who, how?], (b) the byproducts are currently coming out of the installed plants in Taiwan and India, and (c) any negatives [pollution, etc.] of these current plants?

[WILWRadio]

Agreed on most points. I was preparing to make a move to Anderson until I read about this and now I am going to have to wait to see how this plays out. One thing is certain, I am very skeptical about any claims the government may make concerning the safety or hazards associated with this technology. I've not trusted ANYTHING they claim about what is or is not hazardous ever since February 2003 when they issued a couple of statements telling people how to protect themselves from a biological or chemical weapons attack. The Fed told us to wrap our houses in duct tape and plastic to prevent contamination from getting inside our homes! What a joke... If the Fed claims this plant is safe then I am a Doubting Thomas!

[WILWRadio]

According to a story in the Anderson Herald Bulletin today, the Mayor told PEAT last night they will not be able to build in Anderson.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

According to a story in the Anderson Herald Bulletin today, the Mayor told PEAT last night they will not be able to build in Anderson.

Impressive display of interest. Great to see that many people interested in a subject that directly affects their community and environment.

The Herald Bulletin - PEAT facility: Mayor says no

ANDERSON — The crowd at the packed First Church of the Nazarene stood and cheered loudly when Mayor Kris Ockomon informed them their months of hard work had paid off.

The group’s members had gathered to oppose plans for a waste treatment plant proposed for the city’s south side, and their force had been building since late October, when Northbrook, Ill.-based PEAT International announced its plans to build the facility at Indiana 109 and County Road 500 South.

“Tomorrow, it will be official that PEAT will be no more,” Ockomon announced Tuesday at the meeting.

He said Denny Cooper, who owned the property being sold to PEAT for the plant, had withdrawn the company’s obligation to the contract after the company had failed to sell the idea of the plant to the community. ...