COM 0045.011 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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waste-to-energy plants have experienced significant accidents, and the monitoring capacity in East Hawai' i does not approach that available at many other locations. The real danger to the health of residents and the environment cannot be discounted. Of equal concern is the psychological and economic impact of the misfit plant. The concerns and fears of individuals living in the vicinity of plant can have demonstrable effects on health and performance, far beyond any real physical danger. Although there is a tendency to discount these effects as "unreasonable", these "unreasonable" effects are the basis for dramatic decreases in airline passengers following a dramatic accident. The effects may be viewed as unreasonable, but they are real and have been documented in a large number of empirical studies. A third concern is the economic impact on the region that the plant will have. Research has demonstrated the decrease in desirability to live close to power plant sites, and the resulting decrease in property values in these areas. The impact of a plant that releases emissions into the air in a visible manner is greater than and wider than one whose activities are largely self-contained. There is also residual impact along routes that transportation to and from the plant follows. Again, the effect is increased when the trucks are hauling potentially toxic or noxious materials. Indeed, it seems clear that both the plant and the hauling of solid waste are incompatible with the plan and the present use of this area. Both present activities and future development will be negatively impacted if this plan is approved. Although it is easy to criticize, it is also important to offer alternatives. I have not given careful study, as I am sure the Board has, to the solid waste problems faced in this area. 1 would certainly be willing to become involved in efforts to study the problem. I have found that recycling in on the Big Island lags such efforts in every area of the country in which I have lived. I am also aware of highly successful and economical efforts in some locales (including the Portland, Maine area) to transport solid waste by barge to waste-to-energy plants in low- density residential and heavy industry areas. I think that careful study could develop creative alternatives to deal with the problem and lead Hawaii to be leader in this area. It seems that this would be an excellent issue on which to engage the university in a research partnership. I urge you to vote against the proposed plan and to engage in wider study of the issue before moving forward with any plan. Thank you for considering my position. Sincerely ~ p en W rchel, PhD 17 Alae St. Hilo, HI 96720 (808)933-2535