Princeton mayor: no to coal-fired generation
Randy McLean
Mayor of Princeton
Similkameen News Leader
23-Aug-2006
MAYOR ISSUES PUBLIC STATEMENT
I would like to issue a statement today as a member of the town council elected to serve the best interests of the people of Princeton.
I believe it is my duty to express my concerns about the Compliance Coal fired generating plant proposed for our area. I have spent the last eight months listening, reading and researching what the implications would be for our community and our valley.
We live in the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful province in the most beautiful country in the world and I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that we pass that inheritance on to those who will come after.
I find no fault with Compliance Coal as a company but a great deal with a provincial government that is even considering allowing outdated processes that are presently being banned in Ontario and around North America. Burning pulverized coal produces a number of different contaminants including mercury which is of particular concern. The Mount Sinai school of medicine research study is one example of the many studies on the dangers of mercury contamination, it shows that even low levels of mercury have been proven to cause severe neurological damage in fetuses and young children.
Compliance Coal and the provincial government have other options, the coal gasification process although initially more expensive, in the long range in terms of medical and environmental health will prove to be far more economic than the older technology. This process which removes nearly all contaminants has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is being utilized throughout the world. In Chaplin, Saskatchewan a major mineral firm has announced a coal gasifi- cation project that will begin producing power in 2007. This plant will produce near 0 emissions making it even more environmentally efficient that the natural gas power plant that it is replacing. The technology is there, if we are going to go down the path of coal fired generating do we not deserve systems as advanced as Chaplin, Saskatchewan?
These are decisions that will profoundly affect our future, and future generations. Can we afford to be wrong? Viewed 40 years from now, given the technological advances that are taking place, how will our decisions be judged?
At this time there are no coal fired plants in BC, if we insist on going ahead with this coal generating process, one could argue that the negative impact on our tourism and real estate would be offset by the 35 permanent jobs created by this project. However is there anyone who would consider jeopardizing our health and the future of our children for any economic development?
As Gov. Jim Risch of Idaho states: "Idaho is in a unique position because we donšt have any coal fired generating power plants...While I promote economic development throughout the state the health implications of mercury emissions from coal fired power plants far outweigh any economic benefits."
On an issue as important as this we must research and investigate and become aware of the long term implications and then let our voices be heard or we will endure this development whether or not it is in our best interest.
With our childrenšs future at stake, Can We Afford To Be Wrong?
- Randy McLean
Mayor, Town of Princeton