Bell's Letter To the Editor,

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Oct 18th, 2002
Posted in Letter to the Editor

Comments

Mr. Maust, developer of the proposed tire burning, electric producing, facility in Preston, Minnesota, said in the October 7th, issue of the Fillmore County Journal that, "If the community is very opposed to having this facility come here, then it probably won't. It will go someplace else. And that will probably be the community's choice."

If you have any opinion, either for or against, there will be a meeting on October 21st at 6:00 p.m in the basement of the F & M bank in downtown Preston. This will be an opportunity to express your concerns to the Preston City Council.

Think about these things:

The combined emissions from both the Pro-Corn Ethanol plant and the "right-next-door" proposed Heartland tire burning utility plant will be 1,348 tons of pollutants per year--that's tons. Can you imagine how big this pile would be if it was on the ground? We estimate this would fill 100 semi-trucks.

Are 20 jobs worth the cost to the environment? Southeastern Minnesota has a fragile environment with rolling hills, lush valleys, karst geology and valued trout streams.

How will our birds and trees be affected? Already people have noticed that trees in the path of the Ethanol plant emissions have died. Over time will these combined emissions damage historical buildings? Since odor and noise are considered nuisances will we witness numerous lawsuits? Then ask how this plant will impact the water supply. Processing tires will require temperatures of 1,700 degrees. How will this be handled? Will hot air and hot water be released and how? How many degrees will the water temperature increase in our precious fish streams? Which begs the question, what is the DNR's reaction and responsibility to this proposed facility?

What will the daily impact of 25 semi-trucks hauling an estimated 10 million tires on narrow county roads be?

Ask your political candidates their position on this proposed plant. Politicians are supposed to represent the interests of the people and I think it is fair to know where they stand.

Then ask, how will this affect you and your family? Already Fillmore County residents complain of headaches, nausea, irritated skin, eyes and nose problems as a result of the Ethanol emissions. What will happen when you add tire burning emissions? I have read that volatile organic compounds cause cancer and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen to body organs and tissue.

What will the impact be on tourism?

How will property values be affected?

I have come to love the bluffs, the river, the birds and the incredibly beautiful sculptured farm fields. These are treasures.

In addition to attending the Monday meeting, you can write Kevin Kain at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Mn 55155 or call 651-296-7432 or email him at kevin.kain@ pca.state.mn.us. Ask him to request an Environmental Impact Statement.

Then if this plant is activated we will have a better idea of what we will get.

Mary Bell

Lanesboro, MN

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