Coming together

Now that the Burgess BioPower project is upon us, those of us who had a different vision for Berlin need to change focus and possibly, attitude. I’m not sure I’m prepared to believe every lofty prediction spoken by those who participated at the groundbreaking ceremony, but now that we have to live with this contraption, it’s up to us to derive as many benefits as possible from this project while minimizing the negative impacts that come with such a large facility. This plant will be quite different than the pulp mill and an important distinction will be that it will not produce the offensive odors of the pulp mill. On the negative side, there will be the noise that this type of boiler emits due to the tremendous amount of air/draft this boiler requires. Hopefully the owners of the plant will not cut corners in making the boiler enclosure as sound proof as possible and take aggressive steps in mitigating the “jet engine” type noises associated with fluidized bed boilers. A more subtle but deadly impact will be air quality. While we all enjoy the smell of wood smoke which reminds us of cozy campfires, wood smoke is as lethal as asbestos and tobacco smoke. The minute particles (Ultra Fine Particulates UFP) found within the smoke become lodged in the tissue of our lungs with the same cancerous results as with asbestos. I have no idea who will be monitoring the impacts from the Burgess Biopower plant, but the residents of Berlin need to be prepared to insist that air monitoring take place especially in the residential neighborhoods and by the Community Field playground. Because of its topography, Berlin is prone to air inversions which trap pollutants in ever increasing amounts, at times for 24 to 36 hours. Some may think that it’s too early to start the conversation about the health risks associated with the Burgess BioPower plant, but I would suggest otherwise and for several reasons. The operators of the plant need to incorporate some of the pollution monitoring and control systems during construction. Addressing these issues after the fact is usually more costly and less effective. Determining who will be responsible to monitor environmental issues needs to be established and it’s not good enough to say “the EPA or the State will monitor” the air quality. We need to know who will have jurisdiction, who will do the day to day monitoring and what methodology and technology will be used. It’s not too early to speak to your  City Councilor about the issue because more than likely they have no clue about the process or the points I’m making in this post. I would strongly suggest that a citizen environmental advisory group be formed as soon as possible in order to become familiar with the issues, what the remedies may be and the legal ramifications the City may be facing. The health of Berlin residents should be top priority for City officials; this is another challenge that our elected officials have as they have little or no past experience in such matters. Remember, the stock answer that “The State will take care of the issue” is bogus; the State will only enforce minimum standards at best.

Comments

[jon]

"Air Pollution in the White Mountains - How does
one account for the loss of not being able to see the
other side of a lake or a nearby mountain because of
haze? What are the costs associated with suffering
from an ozone-induced burning sensation in the
lungs from hiking in our White Mountains? Hikers
in the high country don’t expect reduced visibility
and unhealthy air quality while hiking in the remote
backcountry, but air pollution transport affects all
areas of the northeastern United States and
southeastern Canada, including New Hampshire’s
White Mountains. For example, the summit of Mt.
Washington often records ozone levels comparable
to the more populated areas in south central New
Hampshire and the Boston Metropolitan area."

[jon]

Harvard college did an elaborate epidemiological study related to
air pollution many moons ago comparing Berlin and Chilliwack, British Columbia. Perhaps it would be an interesting project for one of the colleges to compare current air quality in Berlin now along with the impacts air inversion has on Berlin now, and post Burgess biopower completion. Berlin needs a recent air quality analysis now that the pulp mill is no longer in operation as a base line. Where particulate emissions from a facility the size of Burgess biopower may not create alarming issues where air inversion isn't so prevelent this boiler may indeed face significant issues with meeting minimum air quality standards that such a study could guide both Burgess biopower and Berlin away from health hazards.

[Rocky]

I'm not sure most of the residents of Berlin take air quality seriously? Yesterday I spoke to my doctor about the issue and there's a good chance some of my medical issues such as asthma are directly related to growing up on the East Side and breathing polluted air. According to Dartmouth Hitchcock, our cancer rates are also very high, but linking the problems to the causes are very difficult.

[Wing Nut]

I like Jon's idea. Study air quality in Berlin over the next two years (prior to plant operation) so that we have a base line. Then continue to monitor air quality after the plant comes on line and compare that to the base line. Does anybody know somebody at UNH that might be interested in this type of study? UNH is a research University that does offer environmental engineering as a degree program.

By the way, my mother worked in health care in Berlin for many years. She told me about studies done in the 80's that showed that the two highest rates of childhood leukemia (per capita) in the State of NH were in Berlin and Groveton. I'm sure you can guess what those two places had in common (hint: pulp mills). Do you remember the yellow film on your cars when the wind was blowing in the right direction? I don’t expect air quality to fall to those low levels but an actual study would provide confirmation of that fact.

Take care,
WN

[Rocky]

Wing Nut, I agree with your idea of establishing a baseline before the plant goes online. I think somebody needs to have a conversation with DES since they had monitoring stations at various locations in Berlin when the pulp mill was running, they would have good information on occurrences/frequency of inversions etc. Somehow we need to have City Hall engaged in this issue, they should be working on behalf and for the benefit of the residents, this needs to be a priority.

[jon]

Some entities unrelated to the site should be considered as well. Keep in mind that NH is intimately involved with this site already. The national weather service which also includes hazards due to air inversion and/or ozone levels as well as colleges looking to expand on their research are very powerful and unbiased sources to tap from. State service agencies, with all due respect, should be open and accountable to a second professional and thorough investigation that may very well take place through grant monies already designated to research this extremely important issue as mandated by numerous changes in current pollution law.

[jon]

Does anyone really think that city hall would put health as a priority that may challenge the outcome or cost of Burgess biopower? I think the city would attempt to mandate a "hands off" policy on any intervention other than the state to analyze Berlin's inconvenient truth. ...........hell, we're all used to handkerchiefs over our faces in the old days along with extreme cancer rates, what's a little smoke gonna do? cough cough

[jon]

And so the city council is suggesting the elimination of wards to have voting of candidates at large.

Wouldn't it be great to also see on the ballot a town meeting form of government to replace mayor and council and restore order to the people of this great city?

[Antonio Andolini]

Jon, I disagree that town meeting form of government is the answer for Berlin. Too much occurs on a bi-weekly basis (by Charter) with Mayor and Council to be left to one day per year. Let's face it, town meeting attendance is often small. Thus, a handful of voters can band together and decide a budget, rules and regulations and policy which the selectmen are bound by, for at least the coming year.
I admit that it is disappointing that a majority of the current members of Mayor and Council are running unopposed. You have to wonder what effect the publishing, prior to the close of the nominating period, of Mayor Grenier's endorsement of certain councilors had on the process.

[Antonio Andolini]

Interesting post, Rocky. Air quality should always be a concern, especially here in the valley. The emissions from the reconditioned boiler and stack of this project will be unlike what the pulp mill belched out. I don't think most folks realize how much wood will be burned.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't look to the Mayor and Council for help. I heard an interesting comment that the majority on the current Council, who spent large sums of money helping the owners of this project to fight the IPPs, will now become "libertarian" and adopt a "hands off" approach.
Folks around here will have to band together and get the process of establishing baselines started. That's actually how our government is supposed to work, anyway. If there is enough of a groundswell, even the Mayor and Council may get on board.

[wood burner]

It's all here folk's!!!

http://www.nhsec.nh.gov/2009-02/documents/100726air_permit.pdf

[Rocky]

Thanks wood burner.

[wood burner]

Anytime,Dicky You should have known were to get the info. If you were a true opponent.And Jon sure as hell should know were this info is.Just folk stir trouble about something they have NO clue about!The N.H.DES is also governed by the U.S. EPA.

[Rocky]

I was a "true opponent" of Laidlaw because I knew all about Mike and his track record. Burgess Biopower is a different animal and as I said we need to derive as many benefits as possible while minimizing the negative impacts. Burgess Biopower is not my sacred cow, it's a large pig and I'm looking forward to all the bacon.

[wood burner]

Yeah, Now its me me me! Right? Come on man, get over it.Or move on!!!Bye the way laidlaw has been out for a long time now.(incase you forgot)So let's hope for the best for Burgess Biopower and our city and all the north country!!!!YES Rocky JOBS JOBS JOBS!!! Even people spending money in your establishments.

[jon]

Can you show us, Woodburner, where this DES report focuses on air inversion issues? Additionally, has the NH DES and the U.S. EPA been the entities that have allowed the Bow plant to continue on line for 14 years without a permit?

http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/285436/psnh-requests-more-time-for-permit-review?CSAuthResp=1318499285%3A3ssr34nnrqmebb24s0ngkg9se2%3ACSUserId|CSGroupId%3Aapproved%3AEF7A0B645459233DD71DF0F435755195&CSUserId=94&CSGroupId=1

Stirring up trouble, Woodburner? Your level of concern for the health of your community is perhaps tainted by the fact that you have so many toxins in your body from being exposed to the previous use of that plant that frankly you just don't give a damn.

Surely when a plant goes on line of this size the state and the US EPA have the ability and practice that ability to sweep things under the rug. If it were not for the outcry of concerned citizens in Bow, this article might not have appeared for another generation.

STOP eating the fish south of the mill.

[Rocky]

The fish north of the mill aren't that great either Jon and acid rain is the culprit. The challenge with environmental issues is the difficulty in demonstrating cause and effect. For example, the impact of asbestos wasn't known for more than 30 years and in the meantime we were making products and working with asbestos that would eventually kill those who came in contact with it. ....So, the tons, THE TONS of pollutants coming out of the Burgess Biopower plant isn't going to make people sick the week after the plant starts operation, but the kids growing up on the East Side or playing at Community Field will develop asthma or lung cancer in adulthood. We never seem to be able to pin the tail on the donkey and one reason is that the donkey is providing jobs, paying taxes and is perceived as our friend. It's hard striking the hand that's feeding you!